Delcy Rodriguez, former Vice President under Nicolas Maduro, was sworn in as Venezuela's Interim President in the National Assembly building by her brother, Assembly Leader Jorge Rodriguez. She has pledged cooperation with the incoming Donald Trump administration in the US. This power shift follows dramatic US intervention, capturing Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas. Rodriguez's ascension marks a pivotal moment in Venezuela's turbulent politics.
Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh drew attention to Rodriguez's visits to India and her devotion to Satya Sai Baba, shared with Maduro. In August 2023, she met then-Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, whom Ramesh lamented has been "inaudible" lately. Ramesh noted Simon Bolivar's statue in New Delhi's Chanakyapuri as a symbol of historical ties. These revelations underscore unexpected cultural and diplomatic links between India and Venezuela.
US special forces executed a raid on Maduro's Caracas residence early Saturday, airlifting him and Flores to face narco-terrorism charges in New York. President Donald Trump announced the arrests, escalating tensions in the oil-rich nation. The operation bypassed international norms, prompting global backlash. Venezuela's opposition celebrated, viewing it as liberation from Maduro's long rule marred by economic collapse and sanctions.
Congress expressed grave concern over the US moves, arguing they violate settled principles of international law like sovereignty and non-interference. Ramesh's party urged restraint to prevent further instability in Latin America. India's government echoed "deep concern," monitoring the crisis closely amid shared interests in energy trade. Critics fear this could ignite regional conflicts or empower hardliners.
India and Venezuela maintain ties through oil imports and diplomatic exchanges, with Sai Baba's global following bridging spiritual connections. Bolivar's legacy inspires South American independence, mirrored in India's anti-colonial history. Rodriguez's interim role raises questions on future bilateral deals under Trump. New Delhi prioritizes stability to safeguard economic stakes in Venezuelan crude.
Rodriguez's leadership tests US-Venezuela dynamics, with her pro-Trump stance signaling potential thaw. Congress's commentary reflects India's non-aligned tradition amid superpower jostling. Dhankhar's past meeting gains irony given his current low profile. As Caracas navigates transition, international eyes watch for impacts on oil markets and hemispheric security.