Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, January 7 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said India is concerned about recent developments in Venezuela, marking New Delhi’s first strong public statement following the latest US actions in the South American country.
“Yes, we are concerned at developments in Venezuela. We would urge all parties to sit down and come to a position of well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela because, at the end of the day, that is our concern,” Jaishankar said. He added that India wants the people of Venezuela to emerge safely, noting the long-standing good relations between the two countries.
Jaishankar made the remarks on the sidelines of his meeting with Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, during which the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties.
Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also expressed deep concern over the situation in Venezuela and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. In a statement, the MEA said it was closely monitoring developments in the country.
“Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. India reaffirms its support for the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability in the region,” the MEA said.
The ministry added that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in touch with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance.
On Saturday, the MEA also issued an advisory for Indian citizens in view of the unfolding situation in Venezuela. Indian nationals were strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to the country, while those currently in Venezuela were urged to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Caracas.
Meanwhile, former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela Y.K. Sinha on Monday described India’s statement on the US air strikes on Venezuela and the capture of deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife as “very measured,” noting that New Delhi must remain mindful of its bilateral ties with the United States and other countries.
Sinha said most countries, including European nations, have responded cautiously to the US action, with China and Russia being the main exceptions that strongly condemned the strikes on a sovereign nation.
“This comes after the US launched a strike on Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently in US custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. The couple pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges related to drugs and weapons,” Sinha said.
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