US strikes in Venezuela trigger global alarm

• The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is “deeply alarmed” over the standoff between the United States and Venezuela in recent months, which culminated in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces.

• Guterres called on all parties involved to engage in “inclusive dialogue” in accordance with human rights and international law.

• Responding to the crisis, President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, said the said Article 2 of the UN Charter clearly stipulates that all Member States, including the US, need to refrain from the “threat or use of force” against the territory or political independence of any other nation.

• The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela has voiced grave concern over the country’s human rights situation following the US attack, urging that accountability for long-documented abuses must not be eclipsed by the unfolding crisis.

How global leaders reacted to the US attack?

• Latin American leaders were divided between condemnation and jubilation in the wake of a surprise attack on Venezuela.

• Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, who has frequently clashed with Trump, rejected the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and Latin America.

• Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel accused the US of a “criminal attack”.

• Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Trump’s closest ally in the region, has long criticised Maduro and posted statements in favour of the attack.

• Several leading powers, including Russia, Brazil and China, criticised the US for the military operation in Caracas.

India calls for peaceful resolution of issues

• India voiced “deep concern” over the US strikes and called for a peaceful resolution of the issues to ensure stability in the region.

• India also reaffirmed its support for the well-being of the people of the oil-rich South American country and said it is closely monitoring the unfolding developments.

• India advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela and urged all those who are in that country to exercise extreme caution.

• There are around 50 NRIs (non-resident Indians) and 30 PIOs (persons of Indian origin) in Venezuela, according to the embassy in Caracas.

• India and Venezuela share a history of warm relations. 

• The two countries have robust cooperation in the energy sector.

• India’s ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) has a joint venture with Corporacion Venezolana del Petroleo (CVP). The joint venture company is named ‘Petrolera Indovenezolana SA’ for the production and exploration of oil in the San Cristobal field, in which the OVL has a 40 per cent stake.