'Matter of deep concern': India reaffirms support to people of Venezuela amid US capturing Maduro

The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday called the ongoing US-Venezuela conflict as a 'matter of deep concern,' adding that India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of the South American nation.

"Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. India reaffirms its support to 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 of the region. The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance," said MEA in its statement.

US-Venezuela conflict

The United States attacked Venezuela and captured its long-serving President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump promising to put the country under American control for now, even as Venezuelan officials vowed defiance.


As part of the operation that knocked out electricity in parts of Caracas, US Special Forces captured Maduro in ⁠or near one of his safe houses, Trump said. With Maduro in U.S. custody, "We will run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump said during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. "We can't take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn't have the interests of Venezuelans in mind."

Maduro, who was indicted on various US charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, is expected to make an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court on Monday, according to a Justice Department official. His wife also faces charges, including cocaine importation conspiracy. Maduro is expected ‌to be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn before his court appearance, the official told Reuters. Maduro's apparent successor, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, appeared on Venezuelan television Saturday afternoon with other top officials to decry what she called a kidnapping.

“We demand the immediate release of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores," Rodriguez said, calling Maduro "the only president of Venezuela."

Rodriguez spoke hours after Trump said his administration had been in touch with her and that she appeared cooperative, adding that "She really doesn't have a choice."