India Cautions Citizens in Venezuela, Calls for Dialogue and Stability Amid Global Fallout Over Maduro's U.S. Capture
New Delhi has joined a growing international chorus urging restraint and diplomacy following the dramatic U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas this weekend.
In official statements issued over two consecutive days, India expressed "deep concern" over the developments and reaffirmed its support for the safety and well-being of the Venezuelan people, while advising Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to the country.
 |
| Foreign Minister Jaishankar's file photo via MFA Russia |
A follow-up press release on January 4 further underlined India’s call for all parties involved to resolve differences through peaceful dialogue. “Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation,” the MEA said.
“We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region.”
The Embassy of India in Caracas has reportedly established contact with members of the local Indian community and committed to providing "all possible assistance" amid a rapidly shifting political and security environment in the South American country.
The Indian government's cautious and neutral stance reflects its broader foreign policy approach of balancing strategic non-alignment with support for rule of law and regional stability.
India has historically maintained diplomatic relations with Venezuela, including during the height of U.S. sanctions against the Maduro government. However, it has also signaled concern over Venezuela’s internal crises, particularly relating to governance, democratic processes, and the safety of its diaspora.
India’s statement comes in the wake of similar messages from other major global actors. Australia, through Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office, also urged all parties to return to diplomacy, highlighting the need for a peaceful and democratic resolution that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, in contrast, welcomed the end of Maduro’s rule, each echoing long-held positions deeming his presidency illegitimate.
Canadian official Mark Carney called the moment an “opportunity for freedom and peace” in Venezuela, while French President Emmanuel Macron described Maduro’s ouster as liberation from dictatorship and urged a transition under Edmundo González Urrutia, Venezuela’s opposition figure elected in 2024.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared “no tears” would be shed for Maduro’s downfall but reiterated support for international law and a peaceful transition.
On the other side of the diplomatic spectrum, Russia and China have strongly condemned the U.S. military action, characterizing it as illegal and destabilizing. Moscow issued multiple statements through its Foreign Ministry demanding Maduro’s release and describing the operation as an unacceptable violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held direct talks with interim President Delcy Rodriguez, reaffirming support for the Bolivarian government.
Beijing, too, reacted sternly. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the U.S. strike as a blatant act of hegemony that violated international norms and endangered peace in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The coordinated U.S. operation—code-named “Absolute Resolve”—saw Maduro taken from his fortified residence in Caracas late Friday night and flown out of Venezuela through a series of military transfers, ultimately arriving at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York.
Charges filed against him in the Southern District of New York include narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the U.S., and weapons offences.
President Donald Trump, in public remarks, confirmed that the U.S. would now oversee governance in Venezuela “until a safe, proper, and judicious transition” could be secured.
His administration has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally for bypassing Congress and allegedly using military force to achieve what critics describe as “regime change for oil.”
India’s measured tone stands in contrast to the escalating rhetoric between the U.S. and its critics. The MEA has avoided taking sides, instead focusing on the safety of its citizens and calling for international norms to guide future developments.
Read the full
coverage of Venezuela Seizure on IndianRepublic.in