India issues travel advisory for Venezuela amid security concerns, calls for extreme caution

Ministry of External Affairs.

• India advises citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela amid unrest
• Indians in Venezuela advised to stay cautious and contact the embassy.
• US claims capture of President Maduro after large-scale strike in Caracas

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India on Saturday night advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela amid rapidly unfolding developments following the capture of the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, by the United States.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also urged Indians currently in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution and limit their movement as political uncertainty grips the oil-rich South American nation.

Maduro was captured during what US President Donald Trump described as a large-scale American strike on the capital, Caracas. The operation has triggered sharp reactions globally, with major powers such as Russia and China criticising Washington over the action and the detention of Maduro and his wife.

“In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela,” the external affairs ministry said.

“All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas,” it added.

The MEA asked Indian nationals to stay in touch with the Indian mission through the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288 (also available on WhatsApp) or by email.

According to official estimates, around 50 Non-Resident Indians and 30 Persons of Indian Origin are currently living in Venezuela.

Hours after the operation in Caracas, Trump posted a photograph of Maduro aboard the US warship USS Iwo Jima. US authorities have said the Venezuelan leader is being taken to New York, where he will face charges linked to supporting drug cartels.

The United States carried out what it described as a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela early Saturday, with President Donald Trump announcing that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country after months of escalating pressure by Washington.

Multiple explosions were reported across Caracas, with low-flying aircraft seen over the capital. Venezuela’s government accused the US of targeting civilian and military installations, calling it an “imperialist attack” and urging citizens to take to the streets.

Uncertainty prevailed over who was in control of the country, with Venezuelan officials saying Maduro’s location was unclear. “We demand proof of life,” Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said on state television.

Trump revealed the operation in a post on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 am ET, saying Maduro “has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.” He added: “This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement.

Residents in Caracas reported at least seven explosions in the early hours of the day, prompting people to rush outdoors and post images and videos on social media. It was not immediately clear whether there were casualties. The apparent strike lasted less than half an hour, though Trump said the operation had been carried out “successfully.”

Ahead of the explosions, the US Federal Aviation Administration imposed a ban on American commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace due to “ongoing military activity.”

The strike follows a sustained US campaign against Maduro, who faces narco-terrorism charges in the United States. Last week, a drone strike attributed to the CIA hit a docking area allegedly used by Venezuelan drug cartels, marking the first known direct US operation on Venezuelan soil in recent months.

Trump has repeatedly warned of possible military action, citing drug trafficking concerns, while Maduro has dismissed the US moves as an attempt to remove him from power under the guise of security operations.