‘Closely Monitoring…’: India Bats For Dialogue For ‘Peace And Stability Of Region’ After US Bombs Venezuela, Jails Maduro
India has issued an official statement on the US military strike in Venezuela and the subsequent detention of President Nicolas Maduro, just hours after advising its nationals to exercise extreme caution in the South American nation.
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the need for “peace and stability of the region” while confirming it is closely tracking developments. India also expressed solidarity with the “well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela” and urged all parties involved to resolve matters “peacefully through dialogue”.
The MEA further stated that the Indian Embassy in Caracas remains in contact with Indian community members and will continue extending all necessary support.
In its formal statement, the MEA said, “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. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region”.
US Military Action in Venezuela
In a swift and carefully executed military assault on Saturday, the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in what it described as part of its campaign against drug cartels and narcotics kingpins. American forces bombed Venezuela, seized Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom, and transported them to New York.
The initial explosions echoed through Caracas and nearby areas shortly before 2:00 am local time (0600 GMT), continuing until approximately 3:15 am. The military action was designated “Operation Absolute Resolve”.
While exact casualty figures from the US airstrikes remain unknown, Trump claimed during a Fox News appearance on “Fox and Friends” that no American soldiers were killed. He later revealed to the New York Post that “many Cubans” guarding Maduro had perished, marking the first official acknowledgment of casualties from the strikes.
Speaking to reporters following the operation, Trump announced that Washington would govern Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” He added that “very large United States oil companies” would enter Venezuela to “fix the badly broken… oil infrastructure and start making money for the country.” Trump maintained that his administration’s intervention “will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe”.
Read More: Trump Issues Stark Warning to Colombian Leader Following Maduro’s Capture
On Sunday, Maduro arrived in New York, with the Trump administration releasing footage showing him being escorted by US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers into the agency’s headquarters. From the DEA facility, Maduro will be transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Centre, a federal prison in Brooklyn, according to US media reports.