Jaishankar says India is concerned about Venezuela developments
India has expressed serious concern over recent developments in Venezuela after a controversial US military operation led to the capture of the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday, urging all parties involved to prioritise the well-being and safety of Venezuelan citizens.
Speaking at an event in Luxembourg, Jaishankar noted that India is closely monitoring the situation and emphasised India’s long-standing relations with Venezuela, highlighting that New Delhi wants the Venezuelan people to emerge from the crisis safely and with stability. “We are concerned at the developments… but we would really urge all the parties involved to now sit down and come to a position which is in the interest of the well-being and the safety of the people of Venezuela,” he said.
Jaishankar underlined that the Indian government’s priority is ensuring that Venezuela, with which India has had “very good relations over many years,” and its population are able to navigate the crisis without further turmoil.
The situation erupted after elite US forces conducted a sudden military strike in Caracas on January 3, capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flying them to the United States to face a series of federal charges, including drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, according to US authorities and multiple reports.
Maduro and his wife were subsequently arraigned in a Manhattan federal court, where Maduro pled not guilty and maintained his claim as the legitimate president of Venezuela. The case is now set to be heard further on March 17.
In Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has taken over the presidency to fill the leadership vacuum, following directives from the country’s Supreme Court.
India’s call for dialogue and peace comes amid global concern over the legality and repercussions of the US action, with several countries and international bodies warning that the use of force against a sovereign nation could set a troubling precedent.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
Trust all, diplomacy & dialogue till end of earth, be good with all, do not covet neighbor’s wife & neighbor’s wealth
Vasudeva Kutumbakam
Trust all, diplomacy & dialogue till end of earth, be good with all, do not covet neighbor’s wife & neighbor’s wealth