In a first after Maduros US capture, PM Modi speaks with Venezuelas Acting President Delcy Rodríguez
Notably, the South American country is going through a tumultuous period after the US forces captured and extradited Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were transported to the US and charged with drug trafficking.
New Delhi: In a major development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Friday over the phone. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties between India and Venezuela. Notably, the South American country is going through a tumultuous period after the US forces captured and extradited Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were transported to the US and charged with drug trafficking.
Agreed to expand our bilateral partnership: PM Modi
PM Modi took to X and wrote, "Spoke with Acting President of Venezuela, Ms Delcy Rodríguez. We agreed to further deepen and expand our bilateral partnership in all areas, with a shared vision of taking India-Venezuela relations to new heights in the years ahead." Notably, this is the first time PM Modi has spoken with Rodríguez after Maduro's capture.
India reaffirmed its support
On January 4, the Ministry of External Affairs described the development in Venezuela as a matter of "deep concern” and added that India was closely monitoring the situation. The MEA said in a statement that India "reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela."
The statement added, "We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region. The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance."
Delcy Rodríguez: Veteran leader of Venezuela
Delcy Rodríguez became Venezuela’s Acting President on January 5 after Maduro's capture. Her appointment was ordered by Venezuela’s Supreme Court. The Venezuelan Constitution states that the Vice President is designated to assume the duties of the presidency in the event of a permanent vacancy. Rodríguez had served as Vice President since 2018 and is also a lawyer. She has previously served as Foreign Minister and Minister of Economy.
The 56-year-old leader, a major name of the "Chavista" movement, is a labour lawyer closely related to the private sector. Notably, she was administered the oath of office of the Acting President by her brother Jorge Rodríguez, who heads Venezuela’s National Assembly.
After the capture of Maduro, US President Donald Trump asserted that the country must first be stabilised. Speaking in an interview, Trump stated that the US was not at war with Venezuela. He said, "We have to fix Venezuela first. You can’t have an election. There’s no way the people could even vote,” Trump said, adding that the process "is going to take a period of time. We have to nurse the country back to health.”