Jaishankar Expresses India's Concern After US Strikes in Venezuela, Urges Focus on Civilian Safety

New Delhi: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India is concerned about the developments in Venezuela and the safety of people in Venezuela is the primary concern amid the crisis that began with a sharp escalation when US forces carried out strikes and detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro along with his wife. 

India's top diplomat says the priority must now be the welfare of ordinary Venezuelans.

What is India saying?

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India is "concerned" about how events are unfolding in Venezuela. He spoke on the sidelines of a meeting in Luxembourg, calling on all parties involved to put the safety and well-being of the Venezuelan people first. 

"We urge all parties to sit down and come to a position that is in the interest of the people’s safety, because at the end of the day, that is our concern," he told reporters.

"We would want Venezuela as a country with whom, over many, many years, we’ve had very good relations. So we would like the people to come out well, whatever the direction of events," he added.

Jaishankar noted that India has had a long-standing relationship with Venezuela and wants the crisis resolved in a way that protects civilians. 

What has the government done so far?

Before Jaishankar’s comments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it was closely monitoring the situation. In a statement, the MEA reiterated support for the safety of Venezuelan citizens and urged a peaceful, dialogue-driven approach to the conflict. 

The MEA in a statement said, "Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability in the region."

The Indian embassy in Caracas is in touch with Indian citizens in the country and providing assistance where needed. The government has also advised Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela amid the uncertainty. 

Why this matters for India?

The developments thrust India into a delicate diplomatic moment. Washing­ton’s military operation and Maduro's arrest have triggered strong reactions globally, with some countries condemning the strikes as a breach of sovereignty. India’s response has aimed to balance concern for human safety with a cautious diplomatic tone that doesn't escalate tensions. 

How did Maduro end up captured?

On Saturday, US special forces reportedly attacked Maduro’s compound in a pre-dawn operation. He and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody and flown to New York, where they face federal charges, including drug related offences. The raid was described by US officials as part of an effort to dismantle narco-terror networks they link to Venezuela’s leadership.