India urges citizens to avoid Venezuela after US captures President Maduro

The Indian government has issued an urgent travel advisory, urging all citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela after the United States carried out a military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

In a statement released late Saturday night, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) warned that Indian nationals currently in Venezuela should exercise extreme caution and stay in regular contact with the Indian Embassy in Caracas.

Embassy contact details for Indians in Venezuela

The MEA advised Indians in Venezuela to limit movement and maintain communication with the embassy, providing the following points of contact:

Email: cons.caracas@mea.gov.in

Emergency phone (also for WhatsApp calls): +58-412-9584288

The advisory emphasized that the situation in Venezuela is fluid and potentially dangerous, urging citizens to refrain from travel unless absolutely necessary.

Context behind the advisory

The warning comes hours after a US military operation captured President Maduro, who is being transported to the United States to face federal drug trafficking, conspiracy, and weapons charges. Analysts say the operation raises the risk of civil unrest or targeted attacks, making the region unsafe for foreign nationals.

Implications for travellers and Indian policy

The MEA’s advisory reflects India’s broader approach to protecting its citizens abroad during sudden geopolitical crises. Experts note that travel warnings often precede evacuation plans or increased embassy support if the situation deteriorates further.