India on Sunday expressed concerns over the situation in Venezuela following strikes by the United States (US) and called upon the two sides to resolve the issues peacefully through dialogue to ensure 'peace and stability' in the region. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in contact is also in contact with the Indian community in Venezuela and will continue to provide them all the necessary assistance.
"Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation," the statement read. "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 US on Saturday launched multiple strikes in Venezuela amid soaring tensions between the two countries and captured President Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia Flores. The two were captured by the US Delta Force and flown to New York, where they would face charges at a court, said US President Donald Trump.
Following this, India had issued an advisory for its nationals in Venezuela, asking them to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy and avoid all unnecessary travel to the Latin American nation.
Coming to Maduro, visuals of him being in US custody were released by the Trump administration on Sunday. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Maduro of being involved in narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. Trump has said that Maduro will face trial in the US for his actions and the US will run Venezuela temporarily unless a new government takes over.
"We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition. We want peace, justice and liberty for the great people of Venezuela. We can't take a chance if somebody else takes over Venezuela, doesn't have the good of Venezuelan people in mind. We're not going to let that happen," Trump said at a press conference from his Florida mansion on Saturday.
