New Delhi: India has expressed deep concern over the unfolding political and security crisis in Venezuela, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calling for restraint and dialogue to safeguard the country’s people. Speaking at an interaction in Luxembourg, Jaishankar said New Delhi is closely watching recent developments and appealed to all sides to prioritise public safety and long term stability.
He underlined that India’s primary concern is the welfare of Venezuelan citizens amid rapidly changing circumstances. According to the minister, all stakeholders must come together and arrive at a solution that serves the interests of the people rather than escalating tensions further. He stressed that India hopes Venezuela and its population emerge safely from the current turmoil.
Jaishankar also highlighted the historically warm relationship between India and Venezuela, noting that the bond spans several decades. He said this long standing friendship reinforces India’s hope that the country finds a peaceful path forward despite the uncertainty surrounding its leadership.
The crisis intensified after former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro was captured following sudden military strikes in Caracas on January 3. US forces reportedly carried out the operation after months of warnings, with elite units detaining Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and transferring them to the United States. The move followed allegations by the US administration accusing Maduro of running drug trafficking networks and engaging in narco terrorism.
Maduro and Flores are currently being held in a Brooklyn jail and appeared before a court in Manhattan earlier this week. During the hearing, Maduro rejected all charges and maintained that he remains the legitimate president of Venezuela. Speaking in Spanish, he pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges and described himself as innocent and wrongly accused. The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for March 17.
In Caracas, the sudden detention created a leadership vacuum. Venezuela’s vice president Delcy Rodriguez has since taken over as interim president following directions issued by the country’s top court. The transition has added to uncertainty on the ground, raising concerns about governance, security and the everyday lives of ordinary citizens.
Against this backdrop, India has reiterated its appeal for calm and constructive engagement, emphasising that the ultimate objective must remain the safety, dignity and future of the Venezuelan people.
