What happened on January 3, 2026 shook the world as US forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas and took him to New York City, where Maduro pleaded not guilty in federal court to various charges, including narco-terrorism.
What was in motion was the consequential doctrine of America’s fifth president James Monroe which was cited by the 47th president as partial justification for the capture of a foreign leader to face criminal charges in the United States. Trump even quipped that some now called it “the Don-roe Doctrine”.
The Monroe Doctrine, established in 1823, was a US foreign policy warning European powers to cease colonising or interfering in the Western Hemisphere, asserting separate spheres of influence for the Americas and Europe. In return, the US pledged non-interference in European affairs, though it later justified US interventions in the Latin America to maintain regional stability, as seen in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
There are reports of Trump eyeing Colombia too, though as of now he is eyeing the Greenland which has indeed shaken up European countries, who expressed their concern at a meeting in France, attended by 30 European countries.
What was set in motion as the consequential doctrine of America’s fifth president James Monroe, was cited by the 47th president as partial justification for the capture of a foreign leader to face criminal charges in the United States. Trump even quipped that some now called it “the Don-roe Doctrine”
Additionally, the US has warned that Washington is willing to use economic and military pressure to assert its will as Arctic competition intensify.
With China seeking increased influence and Russia expanding military activity in the Arctic region, the Greenland has become central to Trump’s vision of power, deterrence and dominance.
However, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jans Frederik Nielsen rejected any US claim outright. “We will determine our future ourselves. Greenland is our country,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, the former Venezuelan leader Maduro being held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn has claimed status as a “prisoner of war”.
Adopting a cautious approach, considering the existing Indo-US relations, in the wake of various statements by Trump, India has expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Venezuela and called upon all parties to peacefully resolve issues through dialogue, stressing the importance of regional peace and stability.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is closely monitoring developments in the South American nation.
There are reports of Trump eyeing Colombia too, though as of now he is eyeing the Greenland which has indeed shaken up European countries, who expressed their concern at a meeting in France, attended by 30 European countries
“Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. 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 MEA said.
The MEA also said that the Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance. The MEA issued advisory to its citizens regarding the situation in Venezuela.
This cautious approach stems from the fact that the Latin American nation has one of the largest oil reserves in the world and Indian companies like ONGC are working there.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has urged all involved parties to prioritise the well-being and safety of the people in Venezuela.
Adopting a cautious approach, considering the existing Indo-US relations, in the wake of various statements by Trump, India has expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Venezuela and called upon all parties to peacefully resolve issues through dialogue, stressing the importance of regional peace and stability
The Venezuelan government reported on January 8, 2026, that at least 100 people were killed “in cold blood” during the US raid. Casualties include 24 Venezuelan security officers and 32 Cuban military and intelligence personnel.
Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn-in as interim president by the Venezuelan Supreme Court. While the US administration is working with her to maintain stability, opposition leader María Corina Machado has insisted that the opposition coalition, led by Edmundo González, should rightfully govern the country.
The Trump administration has stated it intends to control Venezuelan oil sales “indefinitely” to ensure revenues do not fund the previous regime’s allies.
The action by US forces, with assistance from the UK, seizing two “shadow fleet” oil tankers—one in the Caribbean and another Russian-flagged vessel in the North Atlantic—to block unauthorised oil exports has ratcheted-up the tension. Also, the situation assumes immense significance in view of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
President Trump has proposed a plan to have Venezuela send up to 50 million barrels of oil to the US and has encouraged American oil companies like Chevron to expand operations and refurbish the country’s infrastructure.
What is indeed creating tension is the massive interest that Russia and China have in the country and that in the present international scenario, the Monroe Doctrine is a policy not in keeping with the existing international norms and situation
The United States says it will control sales of Venezuelan oil “indefinitely” and decide how the proceeds of those sales are used, as President Donald Trump’s administration consolidates control over the South American country after abducting its president.
The US Department of Energy said that it had “begun marketing” Venezuelan oil on global markets and all proceeds from the sales “will first settle in US-controlled accounts at globally recognised banks”.
What is indeed creating tension is the massive interest that Russia and China have in the country and that in the present international scenario, the Monroe Doctrine is a policy not in keeping with the existing international norms and situation.
– The writer is a senior journalist and media consultant. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda.
