New Delhi: India Sunday broke its silence on the situation in Venezuela, reaffirming its support for the “well-being and safety” of the people of the South American nation.
“Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
The statement added: “We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region.”
The remarks came nearly 24 hours after the United States launched Operation Absolute Resolve, which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The two have since been flown to New York City, where they are being held on charges of narcoterrorism and conspiracy to possess machine guns in the US.
The operation involved military strikes across the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and other parts of the country. Russia and China were quick to condemn the action, while several European nations responded more cautiously, calling for respect for international law.
Within the US, a number of Democratic Party lawmakers questioned the legality of the operation, arguing that authorisation for foreign military action rests with the US Congress and not the president.
President Donald J. Trump, however, dismissed the concerns and announced that the US would run the country until a suitable political transition could be ensured.
The US had, for months, been building up its military presence in the region and targeting small vessels originating from Venezuela, alleging drug smuggling. The latest operation follows Trump’s failed 2019 attempt to dislodge Maduro from power by recognising opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s president.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has now been appointed acting president.
The operation to apprehend Maduro came hours after he met Chinese representative Qiu Xiaoqi. China has lent more than $100 billion to Caracas since at least 2007 and holds significant stakes in the country’s economy.
The US has said it plans to invest in Venezuela’s ailing oil sector as part of Trump’s stated plan to revive the country’s economy.
India’s first public response to the unfolding crisis was an advisory issued Saturday, urging Indian nationals to curtail non-essential travel to Venezuela. While India’s economic ties with Caracas have declined over the past five years following US sanctions, it has maintained regular diplomatic engagement with the Maduro government.
In November, India and Venezuela held the fifth round of foreign office consultations in New Delhi. At one point, Indian state-owned oil companies had investments in Venezuela, which holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
(Edited by Sampurna Panigrahi)
Also read: India maintains silence on US operation against Maduro, issues travel advisory for Venezuela