India avoids commenting on Venezuelan transition, says it works with 'friendly' government

India has sidestepped direct commentary on Venezuela's recent political transition, opting instead to emphasize its ongoing economic cooperation with what it describes as a "friendly" government. This stance was articulated during the visit of Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, to New Delhi.

Rudrendra Tandon, India's Ministry of External Affairs official in charge of Latin America, stated that while India acknowledges the transition in Venezuela, its focus is on working with a government that is "friendly and wants to partner with India." He expressed India's desire to reciprocate this partnership.

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We all know there was a transition in Venezuela, but we are working with a government that is friendly and wants to partner with India. We want to reciprocate that.

Tandon admitted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rodríguez had a "very frank conversation" about the matter during their meetings. However, he refrained from divulging specific details, deeming it inappropriate to enter into the specifics of their discussions. The diplomat justified India's approach by highlighting the historically strong and consistent collaboration between the two nations on the international stage, suggesting the current engagement is a return to normalcy.

This development occurs amidst a complex political landscape in Venezuela. Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, who faces drug trafficking charges from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Donald Trump administration has re-established diplomatic ties with Venezuela. They have also strengthened relations with Rodríguez's interim government, which has pursued reforms in the oil sector and offered amnesty to political prisoners. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged for the swift establishment of conditions for elections in Venezuela, including the formation of a new electoral commission.

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Both nations have traditionally maintained very close ties and have collaborated regularly at the international level, so the current rapprochement is simply a return to normality.