PM Modi Speaks With Venezuelan Acting President Rodriguez, Seeks Deeper Bilateral Ties

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez, amidst a tumultuous period for the South American nation. The telephonic conversation, which took place against the backdrop of the US-backed capture of former President Nicolas Maduro, shows India's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with Venezuela. PM Modi expressed his desire to elevate India-Venezuela relations, emphasizing cooperation in trade, technology, defense, energy, health, agriculture, and people-to-people ties.

In a post on X, the prime minister tweeted, “Spoke with Acting President of Venezuela, Ms. Delcy Rodriguez. 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.” 

The timing of PM Modi's conversation with Rodriguez is noteworthy, given the recent US intervention in Venezuela. India's stance on the situation remains cautious, calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution, while expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people. The approach aligns with India's recent positions on global conflicts, prioritizing diplomacy over confrontation.

Conversation Amidst Uncertainty Over Venezuela's New Leadership

The phone call between Prime Minister Modi and Rodriguez came just weeks after the sudden capture of former Venezuelan President Maduro by US forces on January 3. India had expressed deep concern over the developments, stressing the need for peaceful dialogue and stability in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India's support for the well-being and safety of the Venezuelan people, with the Embassy of India in Caracas in touch with Indian nationals.

Acting President Rodriguez has been consolidating her position, with Venezuela's military and police forces publicly pledging loyalty. She has initiated measures to address internal divisions and external pressures, including releasing political prisoners detained under Maduro's government.

During the conversation, PM Narendra Modi and Rodriguez discussed the importance of cooperation among developing nations, particularly in advancing the Global South's collective interests. The discussion aligns with India's efforts to strengthen partnerships beyond its immediate neighbourhood and position itself as a leading voice for emerging economies.

The analysts suggested that the conversation between the Indian Prime Minister and the Venezuelan Acting President showed India's intent to maintain diplomatic momentum with Venezuela, advancing its strategic outreach across Latin America.