India asks citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela

India on Saturday (January 3, 2026) night advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela in view of the situation arising out of the capture of the oil-rich country’s president by the U.S.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also asked all Indians who are in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution and restrict their movements.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured in a large-scale U.S. strike on the capital city of Caracas, according to President Donald Trump.

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The U.S. action has triggered political uncertainty in the South American country, with many leading powers, including Russia and China, slamming Washington for the operation and capture of Mr. Maduro and his wife.

“In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela,” the MEA said.

“All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas,” it said.

The ministry asked Indians to get in touch with the embassy through phone number +58-412-9584288 (also for WhatsApp calls) as well as email.

There are around 50 Non-Resident Indians and 30 Persons of Indian Origin in Venezuela.

Hours after the operation in Caracas, President Trump posted a photo of Mr. Maduro aboard the U.S. warship USS Iwo Jima.

Mr. Maduro is being brought to New York, where he will face charges relating to supporting drug cartels, according to U.S. authorities.