India on Sunday expressed “deep concern” over the unfolding developments in Venezuela following the United States’ military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and said it is closely monitoring the situation in the crisis-hit South American nation.
In its first official response to the unprecedented US action in Caracas early Saturday, New Delhi called for a peaceful resolution of the situation through dialogue, stressing the need to ensure stability in the region and reaffirming its support for the safety and well-being of the Venezuelan people.
“Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a brief statement.
“India reaffirms its support for the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela and calls upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability in the region.”
The US has said that Maduro and his wife were flown to New York to face drug trafficking-related charges, allegations that the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied.
Following the operation, Venezuela condemned the action and declared a state of national emergency.
The MEA said the Indian Embassy in Caracas has been in touch with members of the Indian community and is extending all possible assistance.
India has also issued a travel advisory, urging its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela and advising those currently in the country to exercise extreme caution and restrict their movements.
“In view of recent developments, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. Those currently in the country are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain in close contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas,” the MEA said.
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According to the Indian mission, around 50 non-resident Indians and about 30 persons of Indian origin are currently living in Venezuela.
After Maduro was flown out of the country, US President Donald Trump said Washington would run Venezuela until a transition of power takes place, describing the military operation as “extremely successful” and warning against threats to American interests.
Venezuela’s Supreme Court has since asked Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez to assume charge as interim president.
India and Venezuela have traditionally shared warm bilateral relations, with cooperation particularly strong in the energy sector.
India’s ONGC Videsh Limited holds a 40 per cent stake in a joint venture with Venezuela’s state oil company, Corporación Venezolana del Petróleo, for oil exploration and production in the San Cristóbal field, with an investment of about USD 200 million.
