'World Looks Up To You': Nobel Laureate María Machado Lauds India's Democracy, Hopes To Host PM Modi | EXCLUSIVE

María Corina Machado, winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has hailed India as a "great democracy" and an "example" for other countries. In an exclusive interview with Times Now Group Editor-in-Chief Navika Kumar, she said she sees India as a "great ally" with whom Venezuela can strengthen ties on multiple fronts once a peaceful transition to democracy is achieved. A politician and an activist, Machado has waged a more-than-two-decade-long campaign for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. About India's place in the world and its own proud record as a democracy, Machado said, "India has been an example for many countries, for many generations, being the largest democracy in the region and in the world. This is huge. And you also have a responsibility

to take good care of it because so many people, countries around the world look up to you. Democracies can always be strengthened and should never be taken for granted."

'I hope to host PM Modi in free Venezuela soon': Machado

"I admire India with all my heart," Machado told Times Now. "My daughter was there just a couple of months ago, but I've never been to India. She loves your country. I have many friends, Venezuelan friends that live there. And of course, I follow Indian politics. And I hope I have the chance to speak with Prime Minister (Modi) and be sure that we can host him in a free Venezuela very soon, and that we can strengthen ties for the well-being of our countries."She added that from Venezuela's perspective, she sees India as a great potential ally. "We need your voice as a great democracy, and to speak out for the rights of the Venezuelan people and that the popular sovereignty is respected. But I also want to imagine once Venezuela moves ahead and we dismantle all the criminal socialist structures, that have brought so much pain and devastation, there will be great opportunities for Indian companies to invest not only in energy, but also in infrastructure and telecom. I do not see any other country in the region that has the absolute incredible natural endowments Venezuela has."María Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to achieve a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. The Norwegian Nobel Committee specifically recognized her "tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela". The opposition leader has long championed "ballots over bullets," advocating for democratic reform despite facing personal danger.