NEW DELHI — India on Sunday described recent developments in Venezuela as "a matter of deep concern" and urged all parties to resolve issues peacefully through dialogue, a day after the United States conducted a large-scale military strike and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: "Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation." New Delhi reaffirmed its support for the well-being and safety of the Venezuelan people, adding: "We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region."
The MEA also noted that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in contact with the small Indian community in Venezuela—approximately 50 non-resident Indians and 30 persons of Indian origin—and will provide all necessary assistance. On Saturday, the ministry issued a travel advisory strongly recommending against non-essential travel to Venezuela and urging those present to exercise extreme caution and restrict movements.
India's response adopts a neutral, measured tone, avoiding direct criticism of the U.S. action or mention of sovereignty violations, while prioritizing regional stability and civilian safety. This aligns with New Delhi's traditional non-aligned foreign policy emphasis on dialogue and non-interference.
Separately, several left-wing political parties in India issued a joint statement on Sunday "strongly denouncing and condemning" the U.S. operation as "aggression against Venezuela and the kidnapping" of President Maduro and his wife. The statement, signed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (CPI(ML)-Liberation), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), and All India Forward Bloc (AIFB), described the strikes as "a blatant violation of the UN Charter" and accused the U.S. of pursuing regime change to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves.
The parties called for nationwide protests in solidarity with Venezuela and urged the Indian government to "join the voices of countries across the world condemning US aggression and stand firmly with Venezuela." CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby termed the operation a "naked act of aggression" and "international terrorism," while CPI General Secretary D. Raja called it a "gross violation" of international law.
The U.S. operation, dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve," involved airstrikes on military and civilian installations across northern Venezuela early Saturday, January 3, 2026, followed by a special forces raid on Maduro's residence in Caracas' Fuerte Tiuna complex. President Donald Trump announced the capture on Truth Social, stating Maduro and Flores had been "flown out of the country" and transferred to New York to face 2020 narco-terrorism charges. Trump later declared the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela to facilitate a transition and access its oil resources.
Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency, denouncing the strikes as "imperialist aggression" and reporting at least 40 casualties, including civilians. Maduro remains in U.S. custody ahead of a January 5 court appearance.
Global reactions remain divided. Allies like Russia, China, Brazil, and Mexico condemned the action as a sovereignty violation; Russia and China demanded Maduro's release. Latin American leaders such as Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called it a "dangerous precedent." Some Trump-aligned figures, including Argentina's Javier Milei, celebrated it as advancing freedom. European responses were mixed, with France criticizing the use of force while the UK expressed no regret over Maduro's removal but stressed international law.
The UN Security Council is scheduled for an emergency session on January 5. Analysts note parallels to past U.S. interventions, raising concerns over precedent and regional instability, including potential refugee flows to neighboring Colombia.
India maintains cordial bilateral ties with Venezuela, historically focused on energy cooperation, though relations have been strained by Venezuela's economic crisis. New Delhi's cautious stance reflects balancing relations with the U.S. while upholding principles of sovereignty and peaceful resolution.
