As Venezuela's deposed president Nicolas Maduro stays lodged in New York jail, External Affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (January 7) said that India is concerned over the recent developments. He has urged for dialogue among all the involved parties to take into consideration the well-being and safety of the people in Venezuela.
'Focus on safety'
At an event in Luxembourg, Jaishankar said, "We are concerned at the developments, but we would really urge all the parties involved to now sit down and sort of come to a position which is in the interest of the well-being and the safety of the people of Venezuela."
In the wake of tense situation prevailing in Venezuela, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also reaffirmed its support for Venezuelans.
'India has had good relation with...'
Speaking further about the "very good relations" New Delhi has had with the Latin American nation over the years, Jaishankar said India would wish for Venezuela as a country. "So, we would like the people to come out well from whatever is the direction of events," Jaishankar added.
Geopolitical context
Jaishankar observed that countries these days act in ways that directly benefit them. They offer free advice and express concerns over tensions. He pointed out how the same things happened during Operation Sindoor.
"In this day and age, countries will do things only if it is of direct benefit to them. They'll offer you free advice. If something happens, they'll say, please don't do that. It worries us if there is tension. Sometimes you hear people say, as happened during Operation Sindoor."
He added, “Now, if you ask them, oh really, you're worried, why don't you look at your own region and ask yourself, what are the levels of violence there, how much risk have been taken, how much worry the rest of us have about what you are doing? But that's the nature of the world. People, what they say is not what they do. We have to accept it in that spirit as well…”
Also Read | MEA issues advisory against non-essential travel to Iran amid rising protests
Discussions with Luxembourg
Jaishankar was meeting Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel where he highlighted how the two nations have had good diplomatic relations over the past 78 years. He called Luxembourg a valuable partner.
Jaishankar also highlighted the discussions that took place between them on issues, including digital technology, finance, AI, space cooperation among other global issues.
