NewKerala.com

Ex-Diplomat Calls US Venezuela Strike "Unprecedented," India Watches Closely

Former Indian diplomat Dnyaneshwar Mulay has described the recent US military action in Venezuela as "fairly unprecedented," noting strong condemnation from most South American nations. He stated that India typically avoids taking sides, maintaining good relations with both Venezuela and the US while closely monitoring the situation. The operation resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who have pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges. In response, Venezuela's acting president has declared a week of national mourning and asserted that the country is governed by its own people, not by any foreign power.

Key Points: US Venezuela Attack "Unprecedented," Says Ex-Indian Diplomat

  • US unilateral action condemned
  • Latin American nations largely oppose
  • India maintains neutrality
  • Maduro captured on drug charges
  • Venezuela declares national mourning
2 min read

"Fairly unprecedented," Ex-diplomat Dnyaneshwar Mulay on US attacking Venezuela

Former diplomat Dnyaneshwar Mulay reacts to US Venezuela operation, notes India's neutral stance and strong Latin American condemnation.

"This is fairly unprecedented in the recent past... - Dnyaneshwar Mulay"

New Delhi, January 7

Reacting to the US attack on Venezuela, Dnyaneshwar Mulay, a former Indian diplomat, said it is "fairly unprecedented" in recent times.

Mulay, speaking to ANI, said all South American nations have condemned the operation.

"This is fairly unprecedented in the recent past... Unilateral action by force has been taken by the United States in the past... If the reports are to be believed, President Trump has also said he will have to take action against other countries, like Colombia, Mexico, and more. There is very strong condemnation on the Latin American side except for one or two countries. All of them have condemned it, including Brazil, which is a major country in South America," he said.

He noted that India usually does not take sides in such issues, as it maintains good relations with Venezuela.

"We have expressed concern, but India does not generally take sides... It is really a choice of independent decision-making. India does not want to take sides in this. We have had good relations with Venezuela, and we have a very strong strategic partnership with the USA... India is keeping a close watch on the evolving situation," he said.

His remarks come after the United States launched a strike on Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple are currently in US custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York, and pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges related to drugs and weapons.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Tuesday announced seven days of national mourning following deaths reported during the US attack in Caracas and the capture of Maduro and Flores, CNN reported.

She also noted that the country is being governed by the Government of Venezuela and not by any foreign power, rejecting claims by US President Trump, who said he needs "full access" to Venezuela.

"We are here governing alongside the people. The Government of Venezuela governs our country, no one else. There are no external agents governing Venezuela," Rodriguez said during the installation of the Agro-Food, Fishing, Communal and Industrial General Staff Commission. Her remarks were broadcast on the state-run channel Venezolana de Television (VTV), El cooperative reported.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's shocking. The world saw what happened in Iraq and Libya after such interventions. Venezuela's problems are for Venezuelans to solve. Hope our government continues its independent foreign policy without getting pressured.
R
Rohit P
Mulay ji is correct. India has to walk a tightrope. We need US partnership for tech and security, but our principles of non-interference and respecting sovereignty are core to our foreign policy. Tough spot.
S
Sarah B
While the action is extreme, let's not forget Maduro's regime was accused of serious crimes. The international community was silent for too long. But yes, the method sets a worrying example for powerful nations.
V
Vikram M
This is exactly why India needs to be strong and self-reliant. We cannot ever be in a position where a foreign power thinks it can do this to us. Jai Hind. Our diplomacy is spot on for now.
K
Karthik V
The Brazilian condemnation is significant. The whole region is against this. US is isolating itself. India expressing "concern" is the minimum we should do. We must stand with the Global South on principles of sovereignty.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, I think India's stance is too cautious. Sometimes you have to call out wrong actions clearly. A stronger condemnation of the attack wouldn

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50