Back to the days of colonialism and gunboat diplomacy: Former Ambassador to Venezuela Y.K. Sinha
New Delhi, January 5
Former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela Y.K. Sinha has sharply questioned recent U.S. actions and statements on Venezuela, calling them troubling for international law, regional stability, and global norms of sovereignty. Speaking to, Sinha described U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that Washington would "run" Venezuela until a power transition takes place as "quite astounding," especially given the legacy of past interventions.
Sinha expressed particular concern over what he described as the forcible removal and rendition of Venezuela's president. "Is it an acceptable norm that another country... abducts the president, and takes him to stand trial in a foreign court?" he asked. "As per international law, is this acceptable? This is a question that everyone should ask."
While acknowledging that Venezuela's political situation remains deeply contested, Sinha stressed that foreign control is unlikely to find acceptance among ordinary citizens. "Will any self-respecting country, self-respecting people, irrespective of what their political affiliations are, accept being run by a foreign power?" he said, adding that such moves evoke memories of "the days of colonialism and gunboat diplomacy."
On the ground, Sinha noted, the situation remains fluid. He pointed out that Venezuela's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, has reportedly assumed the presidency in line with constitutional provisions and is mandated to hold elections within 30 days. "She doesn't speak about the U.S. running the country," he observed, cautioning that "till the facts come out in the open, it's very difficult to understand what exactly is happening."
Commenting on global reactions, Sinha said most of the international community has responded cautiously. "The international community has by and large not supported the action," he noted, adding that India's response has been "very measured." New Delhi, he said, must balance its principles with its strategic interests. "We have to be mindful of our own bilateral relations with the United States and other countries," Sinha explained, while welcoming India's call for dialogue and concern for the safety of Indians in Venezuela.
Sinha also warned of broader regional consequences. "When you take arbitrary action like this, it opens a Pandora's box," he said, arguing that U.S. intervention risks deepening instability across Latin America, a region with a long memory of external interference.
On energy, Sinha downplayed the immediate impact on India, noting that Indian oil imports from Venezuela are already minimal due to sanctions and declining production. Still, he suggested resources remain a key underlying factor. "President Trump even referred to it as 'our oil'," Sinha recalled, adding that any revival of Venezuela's oil sector would take years.
Ultimately, Sinha emphasized that India would continue to act in its own national interest. "India is not a small country that can be browbeaten," he said, underscoring New Delhi's commitment to strategic autonomy amid intensifying great-power rivalries.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's a very complex situation. While the US action seems heavy-handed, we also can't ignore the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. But abducting a president? That sets a dangerous precedent. India's measured response is wise. We have to think of our diaspora's safety first. 🙏
"Our oil" – President Trump's words say it all. This is about resources, not democracy. Reminds me of what colonial powers used to say. Glad a senior diplomat is speaking up. India needs to build alliances with other Global South nations to counter such unilateralism.
Respectfully, I think the Ambassador's critique, while valid in principle, overlooks the complete failure of the Maduro regime. Sometimes extreme situations require extreme measures to prevent greater human suffering. The international community's caution has often meant inaction.
Strong words from Sinha ji! "Gunboat diplomacy" is the perfect term. If the world accepts this, what's stopping powerful countries from doing the same elsewhere? India's strategic autonomy is our biggest strength. We cannot be seen as endorsing regime change by force.
The point about the Vice President assuming power and mandating elections is crucial. The solution must come from within Venezuela, following their constitution. External imposition never works in the long run. Hope dialogue prevails. 🤞
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.