The Congress leader said the US action was a clear violation of the United Nations Charter. He further stated that the issue would be debated at the UN Security Council and warned against allowing one nation to act as a global hegemon
Prithviraj Chavan (seen above) accused PM Modi of prioritising personal diplomacy over moral clarity in foreign policy. FILE PIC
Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Prithviraj Chavan on Monday strongly criticised the United States (US) over its action in Venezuela, calling the capture of President Nicolas Maduro a “grave concern” and warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for other countries, including India, news agency ANI reported.
Speaking to ANI, Chavan said the US action was a clear violation of the United Nations Charter.
“Whatever has happened in Venezuela is against the UN Charter. An elected President has been kidnapped and taken to another country. You may not like the policies, but do you have the right to kidnap an elected President?” he asked.
He said the issue would be debated at the UN Security Council and warned against allowing one nation to act as a global hegemon.
“It’s a very grave concern that it could happen to any other country tomorrow. Tomorrow it can happen to India. If you allow one country to impose its will in international affairs, we are entering very dangerous territory,” Chavan said.
The former Maharashtra CM also criticised India’s response, alleging that New Delhi had failed to take a clear stand on the issue.
“India has not spoken as usual, not taken a stand on the Venezuela matter. What is right, what is morally correct—nothing,” he said, adding that Russia and China had openly criticised the US action.
The Congress leader accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of prioritising personal diplomacy over moral clarity in foreign policy.
“In India, Prime Minister Modi is more concerned about his own personal image than standing up for what is right and what is wrong. The same thing happened during the Ukraine war. We did not take any side. Both sides are correct, both sides are wrong. We did not take a stand even on the Israel-Hamas issue, despite a clear case of genocide in Gaza. We kept quiet because Netanyahu is PM Modi’s personal friend,” Chavan alleged.
Questioning the allegations levelled against Maduro, Chavan said claims of drug trafficking must be supported by evidence.
“If America has a point that President Maduro’s regime was exporting drugs, it is a serious charge. But we have seen this before in the case of Saddam Hussein, where false claims were used as an excuse to invade Iraq,” he said.
'Allegations by Donald Trump need to be proved'
He added that allegations made by US President Donald Trump needed to be proven. “This claim about drug exports and Maduro being personally involved in drug smuggling is made by Trump. Whether it is true or not, we don’t know. Enough evidence has to be provided. But whatever the case, no one can justify kidnapping an elected leader of a sovereign country,” he said.
Meanwhile, India on Sunday expressed deep concern over the developments in Venezuela. “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 in the region,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a release.
The MEA added that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance.
The United States on Saturday carried out what it described as a “large-scale strike against Venezuela” and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were taken out of the country. Trump later said that Maduro and his wife had been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges of “drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies” and would face trial.
According to Trump, American forces, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, captured the Venezuelan President and his wife during a nighttime operation.
(With ANI inputs)
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