In light of the recent military strikes by the United States in Venezuela, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a travel advisory for Indian citizens, urging them to avoid all non-essential travel to the South American country. The advisory comes in response to the escalating tensions and uncertain security situation following the US military action, which included a "large-scale strike" and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The MEA has also advised all Indian nationals currently residing in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and maintain close contact with the Indian Embassy in Caracas. The embassy can be reached via email at cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or through the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288, which also supports WhatsApp calls.
The US military action, confirmed by President Trump early Saturday morning, involved the capture of President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They are expected to face charges in the U.S., including narco-terrorism conspiracy charges. President Trump stated that the U.S. will "run" Venezuela on a temporary basis until a safe and proper transition can occur. He also indicated that further, potentially larger, strikes could be launched if deemed necessary.
The strikes follow months of increasing pressure from the Trump administration, including a build-up of American forces in the Caribbean and attacks on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking. In recent weeks, the U.S. had seized oil tankers and conducted strikes on boats and docking areas. Just last week, a CIA drone strike targeted a docking area believed to be used by drug cartels.
The overnight operation involved multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft over Caracas, with targets appearing to include military infrastructure. The Venezuelan government has condemned the strikes as an "imperialist attack" and called on its citizens to take to the streets. Russia and Iran have also condemned the U.S. action, with Russia calling it an "act of armed aggression" and Iran denouncing it as a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty.
The legal authority for the US strike remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether Congress was consulted beforehand. The action has been compared to the 1989 US invasion of Panama and the capture of Manuel Noriega.
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid and potentially dangerous. The MEA's advisory reflects the need for Indian citizens to exercise caution and prioritize their safety in light of these developments.
