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

What Tharoor, Owaisi and Singhvi said on US action in Venezuela

• Indian leaders condemn US military action as violating international law
• US captured Venezuelan President Maduro, sparking global criticism and concern
• Opposition leader Machado calls it Venezuela's "hour of freedom"

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Political leaders in India have criticised the United States’ military action against Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, calling it a violation of international law by the Donald Trump-led administration.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said the episode reflected a broader erosion of global norms. “International law and the UN Charter have for some years now been honoured in the breach, @kapskom. The Law of the Jungle prevails today. ‘Might is Right’ is the new creed,” Tharoor wrote on X.

International law and the UN Charter have for some years now been honoured in the breach, @kapskom. The Law of the Jungle prevails today. “Might is Right” is the new creed. https://t.co/0g7nll3J7e

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 4, 2026

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi described the US move as a return to imperial-style politics. “Regime change by cruise missile, democracy delivered by warship, & sovereignty rewritten under self-styled Doctrine? Not leadership, this is 19th-cen imperialism in 21st-cen jargon. If international law matters only 2 weak, UN should shut shop. world deserves rules, not lunatic rulers,” he said in a post.

Reacting to the developments, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said the capture of the Venezuelan leader was a matter of grave concern. Speaking to PTI, she said no country could go around “bullying the world” and stressed the need to prioritise the safety of Indian nationals living in Venezuela. “India has always maintained cordial relations with Venezuela, with strong diplomatic engagements over the years,” she said, adding that the situation must be viewed from a global perspective.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, meanwhile, cited the US action as an example India should take note of while dealing with Pakistan over terrorism. “If Trump can send his forces and capture the Venezuelan leader (referring to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro), then why can't PM Modi send our army to Pakistan and capture the attackers of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack Masood Azhar, if Trump can do it, so can you [Modi],” Owaisi said.

Responding to Owaisi’s remarks, Bihar minister and BJP leader said the AIMIM chief was known for sensational statements. “He is advising US President Donald Trump. I pray that the US President Donald Trump will consider his advice...,” Jaiswal said, speaking to ANI.

The reactions followed the US military operation early Saturday, when Washington carried out airstrikes in Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, over allegations of “narco-terrorism”. US President Donald Trump later announced that the Venezuelan leader had been flown out of the country to face charges in New York.

Trump posted an image of Maduro handcuffed and blindfolded aboard a US naval vessel in the Caribbean, saying he followed the operation live from his Mar-a-Lago residence. The operation brought an end to more than a decade of Maduro’s rule, during which the US had placed a $50 million bounty on his head.

Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado welcomed the development, calling it her country’s “hour of freedom” and urging that the opposition’s candidate from the 2024 election assume the presidency immediately. Trump, however, dismissed speculation about Machado’s leadership prospects, claiming she lacked sufficient support in Venezuela.

The US action has drawn strong reactions globally, with countries including China, Russia, France, and Iran criticising and condemning Washington’s move.