US bombing of Venezuela and Maduro’s capture — India voices ‘deep concern’, offers consular assistance

India on Saturday expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating situation in Venezuela following United States military action and the capture of the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, underscoring the risks to regional stability even as New Delhi said it was closely monitoring developments and extending support to its nationals on the ground.

India urges restraint, dialogue

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the unfolding events in Venezuela were a matter of ‘deep concern’ and reaffirmed India’s support for the well-being and safety of the Venezuelan people. New Delhi called on all concerned parties to pursue peaceful dialogue to preserve stability in the region.

The MEA added that the Embassy of India in Caracas remains in contact with members of the Indian community in Venezuela and will continue to provide all possible assistance as the situation evolves.

US confirms ‘large-scale strike’ in Venezuela and Maduro's capture

US President Donald Trump said American forces had conducted a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the couple had been “captured and flown out of the country” following an operation conducted “in conjunction with US law enforcement”.

Washington carried out strikes inside Venezuela early on Saturday, a move that marked a sharp escalation after weeks of mounting tensions and speculation over possible US action.

Washington DC frames operation as justice

Senior US officials portrayed the intervention as the removal of an authoritarian leader. In a statement on X, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau declared that Venezuela was entering a new phase.

“The tyrant is gone. He will now – finally – face justice for his crimes,” Landau said.

Maduro, who has been indicted in the United States on drugs and weapons charges, was reported to be en route to New York at the time political authority in Caracas began to shift.

Venezuelan backlash and emergency power transfer

Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, condemned the US intervention in strong terms, describing it as “barbaric” and a “kidnapping”.

Despite her denunciation, Venezuela’s Supreme Court late on Saturday granted Rodríguez all presidential powers in an acting capacity, signalling an attempt by state institutions to stabilise governance amid the upheaval.

Trump, however, said Rodríguez would partner with Washington to “make Venezuela great again”, suggesting a degree of US involvement in the country’s political transition.

Maduro held in New York, oil comments raise alarm

Maduro is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn and is expected to face charges related to narcotics trafficking and weapons offences.

At a news conference, Trump indicated that the US would play a direct role in Venezuela’s future governance and energy sector.

“We’re going to rebuild the oil infrastructure,” he said, adding at another point: “We’re going to run the country right.”

He also stated that the United States would seize Venezuela’s oil resources — remarks that have intensified international concern over whether the operation represents regime change rather than a narrowly defined law enforcement action.

Venezuelans react with hope and anxiety

Across Venezuela and within its global diaspora, reactions were deeply mixed. While some expressed hope that Maduro’s removal could mark a turning point, others voiced fear about instability, foreign control and the human cost of military intervention.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado called for an opposition-backed candidate to assume power, while citizens shared a blend of relief, uncertainty and apprehension about what lies ahead.

What this means for Indians in Venezuela

The MEA has advised against non-essential travel to Venezuela and has given emergency contact details for the Embassy in Caracas; Indians in Venezuela have been told to restrict movement and remain in contact with consular authorities.

If you are in Venezuela and need consular assistance contact: cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or the emergency number listed in the MEA advisory.

Airspace reopens, uncertainty remains

In the immediate aftermath of the developments, flights are set to resume over the Caribbean Sea from midnight Eastern Time, with several airlines indicating they planned to restart services by Sunday.