India issued a carefully worded statement on January 4, 2026, expressing "deep concern" over the recent developments in Venezuela and advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. This statement came approximately 24 hours after the United States conducted military operations on January 3, 2026, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were subsequently transported to the US to face criminal charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. Prior to this, New Delhi had issued a travel advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela. India's response notably omitted any explicit condemnation of the US actions or direct mention of the United States, a stance that has drawn considerable criticism from India's opposition parties, including Congress and various left-wing groups. Critics argued that India, traditionally a proponent of national sovereignty and international law, should have taken a stronger position against what many perceived as a violation of the UN Charter. Several other countries, including BRICS members Russia, China, and Brazil, as well as some European and Latin American nations, openly condemned the US intervention. Experts suggest that India's cautious approach is consistent with its long-standing non-aligned foreign policy and a pragmatic decision to avoid antagonizing the US, especially considering existing trade relations and its prior neutral stance on conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. The incident highlights India's balancing act in global geopolitics, aiming to protect its strategic interests while navigating complex international relations.