In a strong diplomatic signal from Luxembourg, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed alarm at the dramatic US-led arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, calling on all stakeholders to engage in urgent talks to safeguard civilian lives.
Addressing an audience on January 7, Jaishankar laid out India’s position clearly: ‘The recent happenings in Venezuela worry us deeply. Our message to everyone involved is straightforward – sit down, negotiate, and prioritize solutions that protect the Venezuelan people’s safety and prosperity.’
India’s relationship with Venezuela, built over decades of cooperation in energy and trade, forms the backdrop to this stance. Jaishankar noted, ‘We have had excellent ties with Venezuela for years. Our wish is for its people to navigate out of this crisis safely and strongly.’
The trigger for this crisis was the US ‘Operation Absolute Resolve’ on January 3, a swift military action that apprehended Maduro and his spouse. Now held in New York, Maduro faced court on Monday, leaving Delcy Rodriguez as acting president in Caracas.
Prior to Jaishankar’s remarks, the MEA issued a statement underscoring vigilance. ‘These developments are deeply troubling. Our embassy in Caracas is actively assisting the Indian community and stands ready with full support,’ it read.
Reaffirming India’s dedication to peace, the MEA urged, ‘We support the well-being and security of Venezuelans and implore all parties to pursue peaceful resolutions through dialogue for regional stability.’
This intervention highlights India’s growing role in Latin American affairs, advocating restraint amid superpower interventions. Observers note that Jaishankar’s appeal could influence multilateral efforts, as Venezuela’s political fate hangs in balance.
