Indian leaders voice concern after the US strikes Venezuela

January 5, 2026 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani

Global attention shifted sharply after the United States launched a military strike on Venezuela early Saturday.

Soon after the operation, US President Donald Trump stated that the Venezuelan president and his wife had been taken into custody.

The development triggered strong reactions worldwide, including from political leaders and foreign policy experts in India.

Several Indian leaders expressed concern over the broader implications of the attack, particularly its impact on global stability.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor addressed fears related to oil supply disruptions and price fluctuations.

He noted that India currently imports very little oil from Venezuela, suggesting that the direct economic impact on India would be limited.

However, he cautioned that the situation reflects a pattern of aggressive actions under the Trump administration that the international community must carefully assess.

He added that countries may need to explore alternative solutions, especially as key global deadlines approach.

Tharoor also raised serious concerns about the erosion of international norms.

According to him, principles of international law and the United Nations Charter have been sidelined for years, allowing power-driven actions to dominate global affairs.

He warned that such trends could destabilise the global order if left unchecked.

Echoing similar concerns, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC described the situation as deeply alarming. She stated that no nation has the right to threaten global peace and stability.

Emphasising India’s long-standing relationship with Venezuela, she highlighted that New Delhi has consistently maintained strong diplomatic and friendly ties with the Latin American nation.

She added that India has carefully built its engagement with Latin America and South America, making the current developments particularly troubling.

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi took a sharper tone, criticising the US action as a revival of imperialistic politics.

He described the use of military force for regime change as a dangerous precedent. In his remarks, Singhvi questioned the legitimacy of imposing democracy through warfare and challenged the idea of redefining national sovereignty under unilateral doctrines.

Overall, Indian leaders across parties have expressed unease over the US action, stressing the need for respect for international law, diplomacy, and global cooperation.

Image Credit: Jlannons99, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons