USA intervention in Venezuela on 3rd January “Operation Absolute Resolve” that capture Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro and take him in custody and went to USA. “Operation Absolute Resolve” basically for the purpose for The Trump administration justified this as a “narco-terrorism” crackdown
Table of Contents
Background
We know that the Venezuela had oil reserve & mineral reserve. The USA charge & arrest Venezuela President Maduro. Describe the recent event that rocked everything. The event occurred when, on January 3, 2026, the US military launched attacks in Caracas and arrested Nicolas Maduro.
That move by the Trump government came as a crackdown against “narco-terrorists.” However, other countries like Russia and China labeled the attack a violation of sovereignty.
This is clear intention of USA over South America That hegemony of USA on Latin American Countries.
Venezuela Crisis: Key Points for UPSC
Geographical Context
Location: This country is situated on the northern coast of South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea.
Resources: Holds the world’s largest proved reserves of oil.
Principal Roots of the Crisis
Orinoco Belt: An important area known for extracting and producing heavy crude oil.
the country’s export earnings are predominantly derived from oil, accounting for approximately 95% of such earnings. When global oil prices crashed in 2014, the economy collapsed.
The national currency completely lost its value, and this was translated into the price of essential goods increasing beyond the popular reach.
Political Instability: The ongoing struggle for power between President Nicolás Maduro and opposition leaders since the middle of 2013 has not been resolved.
Misgovernance and Corruption: The flawed governmental policy, lack of economic diversification, and mismanagement of state resources.
India-Venezuela Relations
Energy Security: Traditionally, Venezuela had been one of the major suppliers of crude oil to India, which helped meet the vast energy requirements of India.
Investment: ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) has signed various agreements for the purpose of investment in Venezuelan oil fields, such as the San Cristobal project. Bilateral trade consists mainly of
India’s Energy Opportunity
Third-largest global user India relies heavily on Venezuelan oils, and for many years, Venezuelan heavies were a regular staple for refineries in this country. Sanctions and politics in Caracas have reduced imports to a maximum zero.
But with news that the U.S. is going to market Venezuelan oil “indefinitely” as a way of ensuring world market prices are stabilized, India is at the head of the line.
Diversification: The Indian government has expressed intentions to lower its dependence on Russian oil imports due to increased complexities associated with cost caps by the West.
The Debt Recovery: The Indian conglomerate ONGC Videsh (OVL) has about a billion dollars in dividends and assets held back in the San Cristóbal fields. An interim administration supported by the U.S. government provides the best chance for a decade to retrieve the Indian debt.
“Operation Absolute Resolve”
“Operation Absolute Resolve”
On January 3, 2026, American military power staged a nighttime raid on Caracas, securing the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The Charges: Maduro was extradited to New York for trial on federal narcoterrorism and drug trafficking charges.
The Aftermath: Although VicePresident Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president to ensure a smooth transition, much tension is prevalent in the nation. The US indicated it intends to “manage” Venezuelan oil resources indefinitely to offset expenses and stabilize the region.
The USA Angle: The New Monroe Doctrine
The USA Angle: The New Monroe Doctrine
The 2026 intervention is widely regarded as a re-assertion of the Monroe Doctrine. President Trump has explicitly connected the military action to economic gain, stating that Venezuela’s oil will “benefit the people of Venezuela and the U.S.”
The objective: The removal of Russian and Chinese influence from the Western Hemisphere.
The Leverage: Through the oil flow, the U.S. will be able to reward “friendly” nations in the form of India and punish the ones who remained aligned to the old regime.