The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Monday strongly criticised the Modi government for its “disgraceful” and “pro-US” response to the recent US military operation in Venezuela, which involved the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The party accused New Delhi of abandoning India’s historic commitment to national sovereignty and adherence to international law.
In a statement from its PolitBureau, the CPI(M) said the Ministry of External Affairs’ mild reaction—expressing only “deep concern” and calling for dialogue—fell short of India’s traditional foreign policy values. The statement highlighted the absence of any condemnation of the US violation of the United Nations Charter and noted that even some US allies in Europe had openly criticised the operation.
Labelling the US action as “blatant aggression,” the Left party condemned the government’s stance as “craven” and unworthy of India’s longstanding defence of national independence and sovereignty. It contrasted India’s response with the firm condemnation from BRICS partners Brazil and South Africa, who demanded the immediate release of President Maduro and his wife.
The CPI(M) further alleged that India’s muted stance reflected ideological alignment and strategic closeness to the Trump administration, describing the position as a “pro-US stand” consistent with the Modi government’s right-wing ideology. The party warned that this approach undermines India’s claim to represent the interests of the Global South.
This controversy follows a rapid escalation in Venezuela, where US special forces detained President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores in Caracas, prompting widespread regional and international concern over the implications for international law and stability.
India’s official response, issued over the weekend, stopped short of condemning the US, urging restraint and dialogue instead—a position that has drawn criticism not only from CPI(M) but also other opposition voices questioning whether India is drifting from its traditional non-aligned foreign policy.
The CPI(M) demanded that the Modi government reject this “disgraceful position” and unequivocally oppose US aggression, reaffirming India’s commitment to sovereignty, non-intervention, and international law.