MEA Advises Indian Citizens To Avoid ‘Non-Essential’ Travel To Venezuela After US Military Strikes

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday strongly advised Indian citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. The advisory comes after the South American country was hit by multiple strikes carried out by the United States.

In a statement, the MEA said the situation in Venezuela remains uncertain and could change rapidly. It urged Indians already in the country to remain cautious and stay in touch with Indian authorities.

The ministry shared contact details to assist Indian nationals. Those needing help can write to [e-mail] or call the emergency number [phone], which is also available for WhatsApp calls.

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump said American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas

Maduro and his wife during a military operation carried out early on Saturday. The announcement followed weeks of rising pressure from the Trump administration on the Venezuelan government.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the United States would play a major role in deciding what happens next in Venezuela. “We’ll be involved in it very much,” he said. “We can’t take a chance in letting somebody else run and just take over what he left.”

Hours later, Trump addressed the media and said the United States would take control of Venezuela for the time being. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” he said.

Following explosions in Caracas, the US Embassy in Colombia urged Americans in Venezuela to “shelter in place,” avoid travel, and depart immediately if possible; FAA banned US commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace.