New Delhi: India on Sunday stated that the developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern and that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation, a day after US special forces captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from the capital Caracas. “India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region,” the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said on Sunday. “The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance,” it said.On Saturday, the MEA had issued an advisory for Venezuela. “In view of the recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Caracas through their email id: cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288 (also for WhatsApp calls),” according to the MEA advisory.
India has energy interests in oil-rich Venezuela. ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) and Corporacion Venezolana del Petroleo (CVP) (subsidiary of PdVSA) have a joint venture called ‘PetroleraIndovenezolana SA’ for the production and exploration of oil in the San Cristóbal field, in which OVL has 40% stake, while PDVSA has the remaining stake. The OVL investment in the San Cristóbal project is approximately $200 million.
