Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has sparked a significant political controversy by sharply criticising the Indian government's muted response to the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States. Chavan issued a stark warning that a similar incident could potentially befall India, highlighting what he perceives as a dangerous pattern of diplomatic silence from New Delhi.
Chavan's Stern Warning on Sovereignty
Speaking on Tuesday, Prithviraj Chavan expressed grave concern over the events unfolding in Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were reportedly captured in Caracas and flown out of the country on Saturday. The operation is said to have involved US intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
"Whatever has happened in Venezuela is against the UN Charter. An elected president has been kidnapped," Chavan stated. He emphasised the global implications, adding, "It's a very grave concern that it could happen to any other country tomorrow. Tomorrow it can happen to India."
Chavan directly attacked the government's foreign policy approach, contrasting India's position with that of other major powers. "India has not spoken as usual, not taken a stand on the Venezuela matter. Russia and China have taken a stand and criticised what America has done," he said.
A Pattern of Diplomatic Caution?
The Congress leader linked the current situation to India's stance on other major international conflicts, suggesting a consistent policy of non-alignment that borders on timidity. "The same thing happened in the Ukraine war. We did not take any side. We did not take a stand on the Israel-Hamas matter, and now here we are, so scared of Americans that we are not even trying to criticise what has happened," Chavan alleged.
His comments put a spotlight on India's delicate diplomatic balancing act, particularly in its relations with the US, Russia, and other global players amidst complex geopolitical crises.
Government's Response and MEA Statement
Following the developments in Venezuela, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement, reiterating India's focus on the welfare of people and regional stability. "Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation," the MEA said.
The statement called for peaceful dialogue, noting, "We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability in the region." It also confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in touch with the Indian community and will provide necessary assistance.
This measured response, advocating for dialogue without explicitly condemning any party, forms the basis of Chavan's criticism that India is failing to take a principled stand.
History of Controversial Remarks
This is not the first instance where Prithviraj Chavan has made headlines for his forthright and controversial statements on national security and foreign policy. In December, he claimed that India was "completely defeated" on the first day of the Balakot airstrikes (Operation Sindoor) in 2019.
He had asserted that Indian aircraft were shot down and the Air Force was grounded, claims that were strongly rebutted by the government and military experts. When asked to apologise for those remarks, Chavan had defiantly cited his constitutional right to ask questions, stating, "Why will I apologise? It is out of the question."
His latest comments on Venezuela are likely to reignite political debates on India's strategic autonomy, its relationship with the United States, and the appropriate parliamentary discourse on sensitive international matters.
