India has urged its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela following a U.S. military operation that captured the country’s president. American forces took President Nicolás Maduro and his wife to the United States after an assault on Caracas, triggering a national emergency.
What Happened in Venezuela?
U.S. troops launched an operation to capture Maduro after months of tension, with the U.S. accusing the president of drug trafficking. The assault included more than 20 U.S. airstrikes in waters near Venezuela since September. Venezuela’s government denounced the action as an “extremely serious military aggression” and declared a national emergency.
What is India’s Official Response?
India’s external affairs ministry issued a security advisory late Saturday. “In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela,” the advisory stated. The government has offered no formal statement on the political developments, focusing solely on citizen safety.
What Does the Advisory Mean for Indians in Venezuela?
All Indians currently in Venezuela are advised to “exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact” with the Indian embassy in Caracas. The embassy can be reached via email at cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288. According to the embassy website, there are approximately 50 non-resident Indians and 30 people of Indian origin in the country.
In light of recent developments in #Venezuela, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issues an advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to the country.@IndiaVenezuela @MEAIndia #venezuelainvasion pic.twitter.com/MtddaV3tbm
— DD India (@DDIndialive) January 3, 2026
What Are the U.S. Plans for Venezuela?
After being taken to the U.S., Maduro was indicted in New York on drugs and weapons charges. President Donald Trump stated the U.S. will run Venezuela until a “safe transition” and will be “very strongly involved” in Venezuela’s oil industry. Trump claimed the operation aimed to bring “dictator Maduro to justice.” Critics suggest Washington acted with an eye on Venezuela’s 303 billion barrels of oil reserves, about one-fifth of the global total.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should Indian citizens in Venezuela do now?
A: They should exercise extreme caution, restrict movements, and contact the Indian embassy in Caracas via the provided email or emergency number.
Q: How many Indians are currently in Venezuela?
A: The Indian embassy lists around 50 non-resident Indians and 30 people of Indian origin.
Q: Has the Indian government condemned the U.S. operation?
A: India has issued no formal response on the political developments, only releasing a travel advisory for its nationals.
Q: What charges does Maduro face?
A: He has been indicted in New York on drugs and weapons charges.
Q: What did President Trump say about Venezuela’s future?
A: Trump said the U.S. will run Venezuela until a “safe transition” and will be heavily involved in its oil industry.
