India has adopted a deliberately cautious stance regarding recent US actions in Venezuela, reflecting New Delhi's complex balancing act between diplomatic principles and strategic energy interests. The measured response comes as geopolitical tensions in the Western Hemisphere intensify following unprecedented developments involving Venezuelan leadership.

Diplomatic Balancing Act

India's response to the latest US action involving Venezuela has been carefully calibrated, signaling concern while stopping well short of outright condemnation. According to former Indian ambassador Anil Trigunayat, this careful wording reflects New Delhi's effort to balance principle with hard geopolitical and energy realities.

The developments center around the capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by United States forces. This marked an unprecedented geopolitical development under President Donald Trump, representing a dramatic escalation in US-Venezuela relations.

Energy Security Implications

From an Indian perspective, the Venezuela situation presents familiar challenges related to energy security and supply diversification. Trigunayat points out that India has previously conveyed to the United States that if it is expected to reduce oil purchases from Russia, alternative sources such as Venezuela or Iran must remain accessible.

That flexibility from the US side has not been forthcoming, according to Trigunayat. India also maintains investments in Venezuela's oil sector, making developments there directly relevant to its long-term energy interests and strategic planning.

Broader Geopolitical Context

Trigunayat argues that the unfolding situation should not be viewed as an isolated incident. In his assessment, it reflects a renewed assertion of American influence in the Western Hemisphere, consistent with strategic emphasis articulated under Trump's national security doctrine. The former ambassador characterizes the development as both symbolic and substantively significant.

As the US seeks to consolidate its position as a global oil superpower, control over oil flows, supply chains, and strategic choke points has become increasingly important. Trigunayat cautions that similar actions could emerge in other regions, suggesting broader implications for global energy markets.

International Response and Limitations

On the diplomatic front, an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council is expected, though Trigunayat remains skeptical about meaningful outcomes. With the US holding veto power, binding action through the Security Council appears unlikely.

Regionally, resistance is already visible across much of Latin America, which has criticized the move. Notable exceptions include Argentina and Ecuador, whose positions are shaped by their own distinct geopolitical strategies and relationships with the United States.

India's Strategic Approach

For India, Trigunayat describes the approach as one of watchful pragmatism, aimed at safeguarding national interests while clearly signaling discomfort with unilateral actions. The absence of strong condemnation should not be mistaken for endorsement, but rather represents strategic restraint in an increasingly polarized world order.

This measured response reflects India's broader diplomatic strategy of maintaining strategic autonomy while navigating complex international relationships and ensuring energy security in a volatile global environment.

About a dozen oil tankers loaded with Venezuelan crude and fuel have departed the country's waters in dark mode in recent days, according to monitoring service TankerTrackers.com. The departures come amid intense pressure following the capture of deposed President Nicolas Maduro and appear to break through a strict US blockade that had brought Venezuela's oil exports to a standstill.

Sanctioned Vessels Clear Venezuelan Waters

All identified departed vessels operate under US sanctions, with satellite imagery confirming their movements through Venezuelan maritime boundaries. At least four supertankers received clearance from Venezuelan authorities to leave the country's waters in dark mode, according to a source with knowledge of the departure paperwork.

The tankers utilized a route north of Margarita Island, briefly stopping near Venezuela's maritime border before continuing their journeys. TankerTrackers.com identified the vessels through satellite image analysis, confirming their departure from Venezuelan territorial waters.

Relief for PDVSA's Floating Storage Crisis

The departures could provide significant relief for Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA, which had accumulated substantial floating storage inventory during the US blockade implemented last month. The sanctions had effectively dragged the country's oil exports to a complete standstill, creating logistical challenges for the national oil company.

A separate group of sanctioned ships also left Venezuelan waters recently, though these vessels departed empty after completing import discharge operations or domestic transportation assignments. This indicates ongoing maritime activity despite the international sanctions regime.

Critical Revenue Source for Interim Government

Oil exports represent Venezuela's primary revenue source, making these departures particularly significant for the country's economic stability. The interim government, now led by oil minister and vice president Delcy Rodriguez, requires this income to finance government spending and maintain domestic stability during the political transition period.

US Policy and Future Oil Trade

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that an "oil embargo" on Venezuela remains in full force. However, Trump indicated that under an incoming transition arrangement, Venezuela's largest customers, including China, would continue receiving oil shipments. The exact compliance status of the recent departures with US measures remains unclear, raising questions about enforcement mechanisms during the political transition period.