India has advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela as the country plunges deeper into political uncertainty following the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States of America.
In an advisory issued on January 3, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged Indian nationals currently in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movement, and remain in constant contact with the Indian Embassy in Caracas. According to official estimates, around 50 Non-Resident Indians and 30 Persons of Indian Origin are presently residing in the country.
The advisory comes amid dramatic developments after former US President Donald Trump claimed that American forces had captured Maduro during a large-scale military operation in and around Caracas. The situation further escalated on January 4 when Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela declared that Maduro was in a “material and temporary impossibility” to discharge his duties and directed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume charge as acting president.
US authorities have reportedly begun preparations to transfer Maduro to New York, where he is expected to face charges linked to alleged support for drug cartels. Images and videos released by US agencies showing Maduro in custody have intensified global reactions.
The operation has drawn sharp criticism from major global powers, including Russia and China, which condemned Washington’s actions as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. Questions have also been raised internationally over the absence of explicit congressional approval for the operation.
While sections of Venezuela’s opposition initially welcomed the development, uncertainty continues to loom over the country’s political transition, governance, and internal stability. Against this volatile backdrop, India’s advisory underscores growing concerns for the safety of foreign nationals and reflects New Delhi’s cautious approach as events continue to unfold in the crisis-hit South American nation.
