Asaduddin Owaisi Calls for Action Against 26/11 Masterminds Following U.S. Capture of Maduro

In the wake of the U.S. military's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to undertake a similar operation to bring back the masterminds behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks from Pakistan. During a speech in Mumbai, Owaisi drew a parallel between the U.S. operation in Venezuela and India's inaction regarding the perpetrators of the 2008 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of at least 170 people. He stated, “If Trump can capture and bring Maduro to the U.S. from his own country, then you (Modi) can also go to Pakistan and bring back the mastermind of the 26/11 terrorist attacks.”

Watch videoThe Statesman

The U.S. operation on January 3, 2026, involved large-scale strikes in Caracas, resulting in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were subsequently flown to New York to face drug trafficking charges. President Donald Trump characterized the operation as a necessary measure to ensure a "safe, proper and judicious transition" in Venezuela, asserting that the U.S. would manage the country until a new legitimate leadership could be established. This military action has elicited mixed reactions globally, with some countries condemning it as a violation of international law.

The Hindu

In response to the U.S. actions, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed "deep concern" over the situation in Venezuela but refrained from directly condemning the U.S. military operation. Instead, the statement called for dialogue among all parties involved to resolve the crisis. This cautious approach has drawn criticism from various political factions within India, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which labeled the government's response as "unworthy" of India's historical stance on national sovereignty.

The Hindu

Owaisi's comments have sparked backlash from members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Party officials have characterized his statements as sensational and provocative. Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal remarked, “Asaduddin Owaisi is known for making sensational statements,” while another BJP MP emphasized that India's counter-terrorism policy focuses on targeting terrorists rather than engaging in military operations against other countries.

The Statesman

Owaisi's demand highlights ongoing tensions regarding India's approach to counter-terrorism, particularly in relation to Pakistan. The 26/11 attacks remain a contentious issue in Indian politics, often used to critique the government's handling of national security. As the Modi administration navigates its diplomatic relationships, particularly with the U.S., the implications of Owaisi's call for military action could influence public discourse on national security and foreign policy.

The Statesman

• “If US President Donald Trump can abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from his own country, then you (Prime Minister Modi) can also go to Pakistan and bring back the mastermind of the 26/11 terrorist attacks to India,” — Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM Chief

The Statesman

• “We will run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” — Donald Trump, U.S. President

While Owaisi's remarks suggest a strong call for military action, the Indian government's response has been notably restrained, reflecting a broader diplomatic strategy. The lack of a unified stance among global leaders regarding the U.S. operation in Venezuela further complicates the narrative, with some nations condemning the action while others support it.

The Hindu