The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has sparked political reactions in India, with the Congress party drawing parallels between her struggle and Rahul Gandhi's political endeavors, while the ruling BJP has mocked the comparison.

Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela's pro-democracy movement, has been a vocal critic of the country's authoritarian regime, even leading a massive political movement challenging the country's leaders for over two decades. The Nobel Committee honored Machado for keeping "the flame of democracy burning". She has been forced to live in hiding. Following the announcement, Machado stated the prize was recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans and a boost to concluding their task of conquering freedom.

In India, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput drew a comparison between Machado's fight for democracy and Rahul Gandhi's campaign to "save the Constitution". Rajput argued that Gandhi deserves similar recognition for defending democratic ideals in India. He suggested that both leaders are fighting for the soul of their nations against authoritarian tendencies.

The BJP, however, ridiculed the comparison. BJP leaders quipped that Rahul Gandhi would only be eligible for a Nobel Prize if it were awarded for losing elections, referencing his numerous electoral defeats. They argued that there is no basis for comparing Gandhi's political career to Machado's courageous fight against an oppressive regime.

Reactions to Machado's Nobel Prize have been mixed in Latin America as well. Some leaders offered praise, while others strongly condemned the award. Mexico chose to remain silent. Former Bolivian leader Evo Morales criticized the award, while Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel denounced the Nobel Committee.

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has claimed that Machado told him she was "accepting this in honor of you because you really deserved it". He added that he has been "helping her along the way". The White House questioned the committee's motives, with a spokesman stating that President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives.

Machado, upon receiving the prize, expressed that it was "an achievement for a whole society". She acknowledged the challenges that remain in bringing democracy to Venezuela but affirmed her commitment to continue working towards it.