Senior Congress leader and chairman of the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs, Shashi Tharoor, delivered a sharp critique on Sunday, labelling the recent United States military intervention in Venezuela as the "law of the jungle." His comments came a day after dramatic US airstrikes rocked Caracas, leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Dramatic Escalation and Political Condemnation
The United States executed multiple airstrikes on Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday, triggering widespread explosions across the capital. The operation, confirmed hours later by US President Donald Trump, resulted in a state of emergency being declared by Venezuelan authorities. Panic swept through Caracas, with reports indicating at least 40 people dead from the attacks.
Responding to a social media post by Indian author Kapil Komireddi, Tharoor expressed his dismay. He stated that international law and the UN Charter have been consistently violated in recent years. "The Law of the Jungle prevails today. 'Might is Right' is the new creed," he remarked, highlighting a perceived breakdown in global order.
Echoing this sentiment, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Abhishek Manu Singhvi denounced the action as "19th-century imperialism." He criticised the method of regime change through military force, questioning the relevance of international law if it only applies to weaker nations. "If international law matters only to the weak, the UN should shut shop. The world deserves rules, not lunatic rulers," Singhvi asserted.
Indian Political Spectrum Weighs In
The development sparked a diverse range of reactions from Indian political figures. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi suggested that the US action set a precedent India should follow. He provocatively stated that if the US could abduct President Maduro from his own country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should similarly bring the masterminds of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks from Pakistan to India.
This remark drew immediate rebukes from BJP and Shiv Sena leaders. BJP MP Ghulam Ali Khatana, speaking to ANI, defended the Modi government's record on national security, highlighting the elimination of terrorists. "The entire country has praised the Indian armed forces. The way terrorists were eliminated and neutralised under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, only Prime Minister Modi's government could have done this," he said.
Shiv Sena's Shaina NC also hit back at Owaisi, listing India's achievements under Modi, including becoming the world's fourth-largest economy and conducting operations like Operation Sindoor. She emphasised that India does not engage in appeasement politics and has successfully extradited individuals like Tahawwur Rana.
India's Diplomatic Stance and Citizen Safety
Shaina NC also addressed the core diplomatic issue, noting India's historically cordial relations with Venezuela and the broader Latin American region. "This is a matter of grave concern, as ties with Latin America and South America have been carefully nurtured," she told PTI. She referenced the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement, which prioritised the safety of Indian nationals in Venezuela.
The official MEA statement expressed "deep concern" over the recent developments and confirmed that India is closely monitoring the situation. It called for all parties to address issues peacefully through dialogue to ensure regional peace and stability. The Indian Embassy in Caracas is in contact with the Indian community and is prepared to offer all necessary assistance.
Shaina NC summarised the global apprehension, stating, "No country can go around bullying the world; the situation must be viewed holistically. The global community today is worried about such actions, surgical strikes, and, above all, the safety of citizens." The incident has undoubtedly stirred a significant debate in India on sovereignty, international law, and the nation's foreign policy posture.
