India calls Venezuela crisis a matter of concern after US forces capture President Nicolas Maduro. The Ministry of External Affairs urges peaceful dialogue, regional stability, and assures assistance to the Indian community amid escalating political and military tensions.
India on Sunday described the rapidly unfolding political and military developments in Venezuela as “a matter of concern” and called on all stakeholders to resolve the situation through peaceful dialogue, emphasizing the need to maintain regional stability and safeguard civilian lives.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said New Delhi is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the South American nation following dramatic military action by United States forces and the subsequent detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
“Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela,” the MEA said. “We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region.”
The MEA further confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is actively engaged with members of the Indian community in Venezuela. “The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance,” the statement added, underscoring India’s priority on the safety of its nationals abroad.
US Military Operation Escalates Crisis
India’s response comes in the wake of a dramatic escalation in Venezuela after US Delta forces reportedly attacked a military base on Saturday, following months of heightened military build up in the region. According to US officials, President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured during the operation and transferred aboard a US warship before being flown to New York.
US authorities have since filed multiple criminal charges against Maduro in federal court, marking a major turning point in Venezuela’s long-running political and economic crisis. The charges were unsealed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi and filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Serious Criminal Allegations Against Maduro
The indictment accuses Maduro of leading what prosecutors described as a “narco-terrorism enterprise” for more than two decades. US officials allege that Maduro used state institutions, including the military, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement bodies, to facilitate the trafficking of massive quantities of cocaine toward the United States.
According to the court filing, thousands of tons of cocaine were allegedly transported through routes spanning the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. The charges include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, firearms-related offenses, and other serious crimes, with alleged activities dating back to around 1999 and continuing through 2025.
The indictment also names several co-defendants, including Cilia Flores, Maduro’s son Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, and a number of senior Venezuelan officials, further deepening the political fallout.
Detention and International Reactions
Following his capture, Maduro was reportedly transferred to a high-security federal detention facility in New York. Video footage released by the White House showed the former Venezuelan leader wearing a brown prison uniform, handcuffed, and escorted by US Drug Enforcement Administration officers.
As he was escorted into a DEA facility on Saturday night, Maduro reportedly addressed cameras with a sarcastic remark, saying, “Good night. Happy New Year.” The footage quickly circulated globally, drawing sharp reactions from governments and political observers worldwide.
Maduro had long been a vocal critic of US foreign policy and had frequently targeted former US President Donald Trump in public speeches. His arrest represents one of the most dramatic interventions by the United States in Latin American politics in recent decades.
Venezuela Appoints Interim President
Amid the political vacuum created by Maduro’s detention, Venezuela’s Supreme Court moved swiftly to ensure continuity of governance. On Sunday, the court directed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume charge as Interim President.
In its ruling, the Constitutional Chamber stated that the decision was taken “to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defense of the nation.” The court cited the “forced absence” of the President of the Republic as justification for the temporary transfer of executive authority.
The Supreme Court also indicated that it would deliberate further on establishing a legal framework to ensure the continuity of state institutions, the functioning of the government, and the protection of national sovereignty during the ongoing crisis.
India’s Diplomatic Position
India’s measured response reflects its longstanding diplomatic approach of non-intervention and peaceful resolution of international conflicts. By emphasizing dialogue and regional stability, New Delhi has signaled its concern over the humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of further escalation in Venezuela.
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As global attention remains fixed on the unfolding situation, India’s call for restraint and peaceful engagement underscores the broader international demand for stability in a region already grappling with economic hardship, political division, and humanitarian challenges.
