India’s official reaction to the dramatic escalation in Venezuela has been deliberately restrained, former Indian ambassador to Caracas Y.K. Sinha said on Monday, as New Delhi weighs its strategic interests amid a fast-evolving crisis.
Speaking to ANI, Sinha said India’s statement following the US air strikes on Venezuela and the capture of deposed leader Nicolas Maduro reflected a conscious attempt to avoid hasty judgments.
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“I think the international community has by and large not supported the action. There are some exceptions. I think Israel and Argentina perhaps, but most countries have been measured in their, except China and Russia who have condemned it. Russia was among the first. India's reaction or statement that has come out from the External Affairs Ministry is very measured and obviously doesn't want to apportion blame at this stage. Because we have to be mindful of our own bilateral relations with the United States and other countries.” he said, adding that New Delhi must remain mindful of its bilateral ties with the United States and other global players.
Global reactions cautious, barring a few
Sinha pointed out that most of the international community has avoided strong language against Washington’s actions. “With a few exceptions, countries have responded cautiously. China and Russia have condemned the strikes outright, Russia being among the first. But European nations have also taken a measured line,” he noted.
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According to Sinha, this calibrated response mirrors India’s own diplomatic instinct. With the situation still unfolding on the ground in Venezuela, governments are wary of locking themselves into rigid positions. “See the Europeans, they've done the same. They have been very measured in their reaction. Since the situation is still evolving, one doesn't know how things will pan out. And I won't be surprised if MEA shows another statement, if required,” he said.
India, he added, has rightly flagged concerns over the safety of Indian nationals living in Venezuela. Though small in number, their welfare remains a priority, with New Delhi urging all sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy rather than confrontation.
Latin America instability and UN’s limits
On the broader implications, Sinha said instability in Latin America is hardly new. He recalled a long history of US interventions in the region, from Panama to Cold War-era regime changes, arguing that such actions have shaped deep-rooted anxieties across the continent.
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He was also sceptical about the United Nations Security Council delivering any meaningful outcome. “The Security Council may meet, but with the US holding veto power, its effectiveness is severely limited,” Sinha said, calling the body increasingly paralysed and unrepresentative of today’s global realities.
The United States last week launched air strikes on Venezuela and flew Maduro and his wife to New York for legal proceedings.
