MEA Advises Indians to Avoid Non-Essential Travel to Venezuela Amid Escalating Political and Security Crisis

New Delhi, Jan 2026 : The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday issued a strong advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela, citing recent developments and a rapidly evolving security situation in the South American nation. The warning reflects growing concerns over instability and uncertainty following dramatic political and military developments involving Venezuela’s leadership.

In an official advisory released through its media centre, the MEA asked Indian citizens to exercise heightened caution. While the ministry did not outline specific triggers behind the advisory, it emphasised that the situation on the ground remains fluid and potentially risky for foreign nationals.

“Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela,” the advisory stated, underscoring the seriousness of the evolving situation.

The MEA also issued specific instructions for Indians currently residing in or visiting Venezuela, advising them to remain vigilant at all times. Those already present in the country have been urged to restrict their movements, avoid crowded or sensitive areas, and stay in close contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas.

“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,” the ministry said.

To ensure timely assistance, the MEA shared updated contact details of the Indian mission. Indian nationals have been advised to reach out to the embassy via the official email address cons.caracas@mea.gov.in for consular assistance, information updates, or guidance. In case of emergencies, Indians can contact the embassy on +58-424-9848288, a number that is also accessible via WhatsApp calls.

The advisory comes at a time of heightened political turmoil in Venezuela, following reports of extraordinary developments involving President Nicolás Maduro. Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Maduro and his wife were removed from Venezuela by helicopter and transported to the USS Iwo Jima, a US warship stationed in the Caribbean.

“They’ll be heading into New York,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News, claiming the helicopters flew the Venezuelan leader and his wife out of the country. According to US media reports, Maduro may make an initial appearance in a federal court in Manhattan as early as Monday.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that Maduro and his wife have already been indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple charges, including narcotics-related offences. The Venezuelan leadership has consistently denied these allegations, which date back to 2020, when the US first announced criminal charges against Maduro, accusing his government of corruption, drug trafficking, and undermining democratic institutions.

Trump dismissed criticism questioning the legality of the US action and issued warnings to Venezuelan officials against continuing support for Maduro. Meanwhile, several senior Venezuelan leaders sharply criticised the operation on state television, calling it an act of foreign aggression.

Reports citing individuals familiar with the mission suggested that the operation involved elite US units, with intelligence support from the CIA and execution by US Army Delta Force personnel in what has been described as a highly secretive and coordinated operation.

Against this backdrop of political upheaval, international legal proceedings, and mounting security uncertainties, the MEA’s advisory highlights concerns over the safety of Indian nationals and the risks posed by the unstable situation in Venezuela. The ministry has reiterated that the well-being and security of Indian citizens abroad remain its top priority.

Team Maverick.