‘Matter of deep concern’: India reacts to US action in Venezuela and Maduro’s arrest

India reacts to US action in Venezuela and Maduro’s arrest

India on Sunday expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Venezuela and said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation, a day after US special forces captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a nighttime airborne raid in Caracas.

"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," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

"The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance," the statement added.

Press Release on recent developments in Venezuela ⬇️

🔗 https://t.co/PrU0nIRLiQpic.twitter.com/jVBI5TcGMV — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 4, 2026

The US operation ended 12 years of Maduro’s rule. He had a $50 million US bounty on his head and was flown to New York to face drugs and weapons charges following the raid.

Also read: ‘Law of the jungle prevails’: How Shashi Tharoor, Owaisi, Singhvi and other Indian leaders reacted to US action in Venezuela

US President Donald Trump posted a photo of Maduro handcuffed and blindfolded aboard a US naval ship in the Caribbean, saying he followed the operation live from his Mar-a-Lago estate "like I was watching a television show."

Venezuela’s opposition leader, Nobel Peace laureate Maria Corina Machado, welcomed the development on social media, calling it her country’s "hour of freedom." She urged the opposition’s candidate in the 2024 election to "immediately" assume the presidency. Trump, however, dismissed any expectation that Machado herself would emerge as leader, claiming she lacked "support or respect" in Venezuela.