India on January 3 issued a travel advisory asking its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela amid rapidly unfolding political developments following the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged Indian citizens currently in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution, limit their movements and stay in close contact with the Indian Embassy in Caracas. The advisory followed claims by US President Donald Trump that American forces had detained Maduro during a major military operation in and around the Venezuelan capital.
“In view of the recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to the country,” the MEA said. It also asked those already in Venezuela to remain connected with the embassy through emergency contact numbers and email. Official estimates indicate that around 50 Non-Resident Indians and nearly 30 Persons of Indian Origin are presently living in Venezuela.
The situation escalated further on January 4 after Venezuela’s Supreme Court directed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to take over as acting president. The court ruled that Maduro was in a “material and temporary impossibility” to perform his duties, invoking constitutional provisions related to presidential absence.
Announcing the decision during a televised session, Supreme Court Justice Tania D’Amelio said Rodríguez would assume all powers and responsibilities of the presidency to ensure administrative continuity and national defence.
Meanwhile, US authorities began preparations to transfer Maduro to the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York, where he is expected to face charges linked to alleged support for drug trafficking networks. Hours after the operation, Trump shared a photograph showing Maduro aboard the US warship USS Iwo Jima. Subsequent video footage released by US agencies showed the former Venezuelan leader in handcuffs during a staged transfer.
The US action has drawn strong reactions internationally, with Russia and China among the countries condemning Washington’s move to detain Maduro. Reports suggested the operation was carried out without approval from the US Congress.
Inside Venezuela, the immediate aftermath of the operation saw some opposition leaders celebrating the development. “Venezuelans, the hour of freedom has arrived,” opposition leader María Corina Machado said. However, uncertainty soon followed after Trump signalled reluctance to openly back Machado, instead indicating a willingness to engage with Maduro ally Delcy Rodríguez.
As Venezuela enters a volatile phase of political transition, concerns over stability, governance and the safety of foreign nationals remain high, prompting India to issue its cautionary advisory to citizens.