Venezuela is in economic turmoil, and US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido has declared himself president after protests against incumbent Nicolas Maduro.
New Delhi: India has urged Venezuelan people to find a political solution to the crisis they currently face, with the economy in an unprecedented meltdown and socio-political disturbances on the rise.
The crisis in the Latin American country deepened after opposition leader and national assembly president Juan Guaido declared himself the country’s president with support from the US. This came in the middle of widespread protests against incumbent president Nicolas Maduro, who assumed a second term in office earlier this month. The protests were targeted against Maduro, for failing to bring economic peace and stability to the oil-rich country.
“We are closely following the emerging situation in Venezuela. We are of the view that it is for the people of Venezuela to find a political solution to resolve their differences through constructive dialogue and discussion, without resorting to violence,” said Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.
“Democracy, peace and security in Venezuela are of paramount importance for the progress and prosperity of the people of Venezuela.”
India’s neutral reaction came at a time when both Russia as well as Turkey have issued warnings to the US for interfering in Venezuela’s internal matters. They have also warned it against any kind of military intervention.
The US government has already recognised Guaido as the country’s interim chief, and the latter has called for fair and free elections. Meanwhile, Maduro has asked US diplomats to leave the country by Saturday.
Also read: There seems to be no end to Venezuela’s political, social and economic crisis
India-Venezuela relations
India continues to be one of top export destinations for Venezuelan oil. However, with the US threatening to impose sanctions, Venezuela might pressure India to buy more oil from it.
Maduro had visited India in March last year to attend the first-ever International Solar Alliance Summit.
India had signed a bilateral agreement for cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector during the visit of the then-Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez in 2005. This was followed by another pact in 2008, between ONGC Videsh Limited and CVP, subsidiary of Venezuela’s state-owned oil firm PDVSA.
Venezuela, with so much oil wealth, is a man made tragedy. 10% of its population has fled in recent times. However, what happens within the country is their internal affair. Foreign governments “ recognising “ an opposition leader as the legitimate government is deeply problematic. Naxt he will “ invite “ them to send over the Marines to put things in order.