By Dr. Atul Malikram, Political Strategist
Indore: Global politics has entered a new, deeply controversial and potentially historic phase following the United States’ large-scale military operation against Venezuela. On the night of January 3, 2026, US forces carried out precision strikes on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and within just half an hour arrested President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The dramatic operation has sparked intense, multi-layered debate worldwide.
While one section of the global community has described the action as a victory of justice against authoritarianism and a decisive step toward ending an oppressive regime and restoring democracy, critics have termed it a blatant violation of international law, an attack on national sovereignty, and an example of imperialist intervention.
Renowned political strategist Dr. Atul Malikram described the development as “a complex, multi-dimensional and historic event with far-reaching implications for the global balance of power.” He noted that the US action would not only shape Venezuela’s future but could also have long-term and unpredictable consequences for international law, regional stability, the sovereignty of developing nations, and the precedent of unilateral actions by powerful states. “Countries like India must draw strategic and diplomatic lessons from this episode and further strengthen their defence, security, and foreign policy frameworks,” he said.
Operation That Shook Caracas
The sequence of events unfolded in a manner reminiscent of a cinematic script. Multiple explosions rocked Caracas late on January 3 as US fighter jets and helicopters targeted key military installations. The operation was swift and meticulously planned, leaving Venezuela’s defence systems unable to mount an effective response. US special forces reportedly stormed the presidential palace and detained Maduro and his wife.
The couple was subsequently flown to the United States and placed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York, where they are expected to face trial on serious charges including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling. US President Donald Trump termed the mission a “successful operation,” asserting that Maduro had long been involved in drug trafficking networks posing a threat to US security.
Background and Global Reactions
The roots of the operation date back several years. Since 2020, US courts had levelled charges against Maduro, and a bounty had reportedly been announced for his arrest. The Trump administration has consistently argued that his detention was essential for US national security. However, the operation has triggered sharp reactions across the globe.
Washington maintains that the strike was aimed at dismantling narco-terrorism. Supporters of the move argue that Maduro’s rule was marked by economic collapse, widespread hunger, mass migration, and serious human rights violations, and that his arrest could open the door to democratic restoration in Venezuela.
Opponents, however, insist that the action violates the UN Charter, which permits military intervention against a sovereign nation only in self-defence or with authorisation from the UN Security Council. Critics have also alleged that the intervention was driven by strategic interests, including Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, warning that past US interventions have often led to prolonged instability.
India’s Response and Moral Dilemma
India has expressed deep concern over the developments, urging restraint and dialogue. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s principled position on respecting sovereignty and resolving conflicts through diplomatic means.
From an ethical standpoint, the episode remains deeply complex. While Maduro’s governance has been widely criticised as authoritarian, the method adopted by the United States raises serious questions under international law. Legally, many view the action as unjustified, though from a security perspective, some consider it a necessary step.
The US strike on Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro mark a watershed moment in global geopolitics. As Dr. Malikram concludes, “This event is a warning signal for the world. It underscores the need for strategic vigilance and compels nations like India to reinforce their long-term geopolitical preparedness.”
