India
India on Saturday issued its first official reaction following the United States’ dramatic military operation in Venezuela by advising its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to the South American nation. The advisory came hours after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a large-scale assault on the capital, Caracas, and flew them to the United States.
While New Delhi stopped short of issuing a formal political statement on the developments, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a strongly worded advisory highlighting concerns over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Venezuela. “In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela,” the MEA said late Saturday night.
The ministry also urged Indians currently residing in the country to remain vigilant. “All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Indian embassy in Caracas,” the advisory said. Indian nationals have been asked to maintain communication with the embassy via email and emergency phone numbers provided by the MEA.
According to official estimates available on the Indian embassy’s website, Venezuela is home to around 50 non-resident Indians and approximately 30 persons of Indian origin. The advisory assumes significance given Venezuela’s declaration of a national emergency following the US assault, which the Venezuelan government described as an “extremely serious military aggression”.
The United States launched the operation after months of heightened tensions, accusing Maduro of involvement in international drug trafficking and weapons-related crimes—allegations the Venezuelan leader has consistently denied. US forces had reportedly conducted more than 20 air strikes in waters near Venezuela since September, escalating concerns of a broader conflict well before the capture.
After being transported to the US, Maduro was indicted in New York on charges related to narcotics trafficking and arms offences. US President Donald Trump, addressing a press conference, said Washington would temporarily “run” Venezuela to ensure a “safe transition” of power. Trump also stated that the US would be “very strongly involved” in Venezuela’s oil sector during this period.
The developments have drawn criticism globally, with opponents accusing Washington of acting primarily to gain access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, estimated at 303 billion barrels—nearly one-fifth of global reserves. As uncertainty grips the country, India’s cautious advisory underscores New Delhi’s priority of safeguarding its citizens amid one of the most consequential geopolitical crises in Latin America in decades.
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