‘India Has Strong Ties With Venezuela, Concerned About Recent Developments’: S Jaishankar | India News

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed India’s concern over the recent developments in Venezuela, where US forces carried out airstrikes and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in a dramatic operation on January 3. He called on all parties to engage in dialogue and ensure the well-being of the Venezuelan people.

Speaking at an event in Luxembourg on Tuesday, Jaishankar said, “We are concerned about the developments, but we really call on all parties concerned to sit down now and come to a position that is in the interest of the welfare and security of the Venezuelan people.” he said.

Highlighting India’s long-standing relations with Venezuela, he added: “At the end of the day, this is our concern; we want Venezuela, with which we have had very good relations over many years, and the people to come out well, whatever the course of events.”

Earlier on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement expressing deep concern about the situation in Venezuela. He reaffirmed India’s support for the security and well-being of Venezuelans and called on all parties to resolve issues peacefully through dialogue. The statement also stated that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in contact with Indian citizens in Venezuela and is providing all possible assistance.

The MEA also advised Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela at a time of rising tensions and urged those already in the country to exercise extreme caution.

US Operation and Court Proceedings

The crisis escalated further after a US military operation, reportedly involving elite Delta forces, captured Maduro and Flores from their residence in Caracas. Both were flown to the US to face charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of firearms and destructive devices.

In a federal court in New York on Monday, Maduro pleaded not guilty, arguing that he was “captured and kidnapped” and that he remained the legitimate President of Venezuela. “I am an honest man, the president of my country. I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything mentioned here,” he said.

Flores also pleaded not guilty, stating that he was “completely innocent” of the charges.

Maduro faces four drug trafficking-related charges, including alleged coordination with Mexico’s Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, Colombia’s FARC rebels and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. He has consistently denied involvement, claiming the charges were a cover for “imperialist designs on Venezuela’s rich oil reserves.”

Following Maduro’s capture, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Interim President by the country’s supreme court.

As expressed by Jaishankar and the MEA, India’s primary concern remains the security and well-being of the Venezuelan people amid the evolving crisis.

(With inputs from IANS)