India concerned over events in Venezuela
India on Sunday expressed “deep concern” over rapidly unfolding developments in Venezuela following the dramatic capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a US military operation, and said it is closely monitoring the situation, according to an official statement issued on January 4, 2026.M
“Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, urging all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace and stability in the region.
The statement came hours after Maduro arrived in the US following what President Donald Trump described as a “stunningly successful” operation in Caracas early Saturday. Maduro and Flores were flown to New York to face drug trafficking-related charges, accusations the Venezuelan leader has long denied. Speaking at a news conference, Trump said the US would effectively administer Venezuela until a political transition is completed. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” he said, adding that the operation should serve as a warning to those who threaten American lives or sovereignty.
Venezuela has denounced the US action as a violation of its sovereignty and announced a nationwide state of emergency. The country’s Supreme Court has asked Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez to assume charge as interim president. Rodríguez visited New Delhi in February last year to attend India Energy Week.In its response, India reaffirmed its support for the well-being of the Venezuelan people and called upon “all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region.”
The MEA also said the Indian embassy in Caracas remains in close contact with members of the Indian community and is providing all possible assistance.As a precautionary measure, India advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela and urged those currently in the country to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in touch with the Indian embassy.
