Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado has lauded India's democratic values, calling the nation an example for many countries around the world. In an exclusive interview with Times Now, Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, highlighted India's role as the largest democracy in the region and the world, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with such a position.
Machado, a Venezuelan politician and activist who has spent over two decades advocating for the restoration of democracy in her own country, expressed her admiration for India. She acknowledged that democracies should always be strengthened and never taken for granted. Machado said, "India has been an example for many countries, for many generations, being the largest democracy in the region and in the world. This is huge". She further added, "And you also have a responsibility to take good care of it because so many people, countries around the world look up to you".
Machado also conveyed her hope to visit India and meet with Prime Minister Modi, expressing her desire to strengthen ties between Venezuela and India. "I admire India with all my heart," Machado stated. "My daughter was there just a couple of months ago, but I've never been to India. She loves your country. I have many friends, Venezuelan friends that live there. And of course, I follow Indian politics. And I hope I have the chance to speak with Prime Minister (Modi) and be sure that we can host him in a free Venezuela very soon, and that we can strengthen ties for the well-being of our countries".
Machado's comments come after recent remarks made by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during a visit to Colombia, where he allegedly criticized Indian democracy. Machado's praise for India's democratic system is a significant counterpoint, emphasizing the importance of India's role on the global stage.
The Nobel Committee awarded Machado the 2025 prize in recognition of her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and her struggle for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. Machado, who has long championed "ballots over bullets," has advocated for democratic reform despite facing personal danger. She draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent struggle for freedom. "Being peaceful is not weakness, and Mahatma Gandhi showed humanity what it meant," she stated.
Machado believes that India's voice is crucial in supporting the rights of the Venezuelan people and popular sovereignty. She sees India as a potential ally for Venezuela once a peaceful transition to democracy is achieved.
