Senior leaders from the Indian National Congress have expressed grave concern and strong criticism following a military operation by the United States in Venezuela. The attack, which targeted the nation's capital and resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, has sparked a significant diplomatic and political reaction.
Congress Leaders Decry Erosion of International Law
Congress MP and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor labelled the incident a "momentous event." He issued a stark warning about the current state of global affairs, stating that foundational principles are being sidelined. "International law and the UN Charter are increasingly ignored," Tharoor remarked, adding that world politics now seems to operate on the dangerous doctrine that "might is right."
Echoing this sentiment, Congress MP Manish Tewari directed his criticism at what he called the United States' "obsession with regime change." He questioned the historical effectiveness of such interventions, asking whether they have truly served America's long-term interests. Tewari also confirmed that the UN Security Council is scheduled to address the rapidly evolving situation, indicating the matter will receive top-level international scrutiny.
Safety of Indian Expatriates a Primary Concern
Beyond the geopolitical implications, Congress leader and former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid brought the focus to a pressing domestic concern: the welfare of the Indian community in Venezuela. He explicitly urged the Indian government to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of Indian expatriates caught in the turmoil.
Khurshid described the US action as "disturbing" and emphasised India's crucial role in the emerging global order. He stressed that New Delhi must carefully consider the wider implications of such unilateral international interventions, suggesting that India's response should be measured and principled.
A Call for Principled Stance in Global Affairs
The unified response from these senior Congress figures highlights several key issues:
- A perceived decline in the rule-based international order.
- Strong disapproval of unilateral military action for regime change.
- Immediate practical concerns for Indian citizens abroad.
- A call for India to assert a thoughtful and influential role on the world stage.
The developments in Venezuela, following the US attack on January 5, 2026, have thus ignited a significant foreign policy debate within India's political landscape, with the Congress party positioning itself as a vocal critic of the operation and a proponent of multilateralism and diplomatic solutions.
