India Responds to the Venezuela Crisis Following U.S. Military Operation

The recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by U.S. forces has triggered significant political upheaval in Venezuela. This military operation, described by U.S. President Donald Trump as "Operation Absolute Resolve," has led to allegations of drug trafficking against Maduro and heightened tensions in the region. In response, India has expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue and stability.

India Voices Deep Concern Over Venezuela Crisis After US Captures President Maduro“Matter of Deep Concern”: India Responds to Venezuela Crisis, Avoids Naming USIndia expresses deep concern on the Venezuela crisisIndia expresses ‘deep concern’ over Venezuela crisis, urges peaceful dialogue

According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India is largely insulated from the economic fallout of the Venezuela crisis. India’s trade with Venezuela has significantly declined since 2019 due to U.S. sanctions, which forced Indian firms to reduce oil imports and commercial activities. In the fiscal year 2024-25, India's total imports from Venezuela amounted to only USD 364.5 million, a stark decrease from USD 1.4 billion in crude oil imports in 2023-24. GTRI noted that the low trade volumes and existing sanctions mean that developments in Venezuela are not expected to impact India's economy or energy security.

US strikes Venezuela: Why India is largely insulated from the shockVenezuela crisis unlikely to impact India’s economy or energy securityIndia expresses ‘deep concern’ over Venezuela crisis, urges peaceful dialogue

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has been closely monitoring the evolving situation in Venezuela. In an official statement, the MEA reaffirmed its support for the well-being and safety of the Venezuelan people, calling for all parties to resolve issues through dialogue. The statement emphasized, "Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation," urging restraint and diplomatic efforts to ensure regional stability. Additionally, India has issued a travel advisory for its nationals in Venezuela, advising them to avoid non-essential travel and maintain contact with the Indian Embassy in Caracas.

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India's restrained response has drawn attention, particularly as it refrains from directly condemning the U.S. military action. Domestic political groups, including several Left parties, have criticized the Indian government for not taking a firmer stance against what they term "U.S. aggression." They have called for solidarity with the Venezuelan people and nationwide protests against the U.S. operation.

“Matter of Deep Concern”: India Responds to Venezuela Crisis, Avoids Naming US

Reports indicate that the U.S. military operation has resulted in at least 40 fatalities, although the exact number remains disputed. The Venezuelan Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president, a move intended to maintain administrative continuity amid the crisis. However, the legitimacy of this appointment and the future political landscape in Venezuela remain uncertain.

“Matter of Deep Concern”: India Responds to Venezuela Crisis, Avoids Naming US

As the situation unfolds, India is likely to continue advocating for dialogue and peaceful resolution while monitoring the implications of U.S. actions in Venezuela. The international community's reactions are also evolving, with various countries expressing concerns over the legality of the U.S. intervention. The coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Venezuelan politics and the role of global powers in the region.

• “Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation” — Ministry of External Affairs, India

India expresses deep concern on the Venezuela crisis

• “Given the low trade volumes, existing sanctions constraints, and the large geographical distance, the current developments in Venezuela are not expected to have any meaningful impact on India's economy or energy security,” — Global Trade Research Initiative

US strikes Venezuela: Why India is largely insulated from the shock