India issues advisory for its citizens in Venezuela, asking them to exercise extreme caution:

News Topical, Digital Desk : India on Saturday night issued an advisory to its citizens, asking them to avoid travelling to Venezuela in the wake of the situation arising out of the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the US.

The Ministry of External Affairs has requested all Indians present in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution and restrict their movements.

The Ministry of External Affairs said, "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 touch with the Indian Embassy in Caracas."

The ministry has requested Indians to contact the embassy. There are approximately 50 non-resident Indians and 30 persons of Indian origin in Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Maduro was once a bus driver

Born on November 23, 1962, Venezuela's ousted President Nicolas Maduro is the son of a labor union leader and once earned his living as a bus driver. He entered politics in 1992 under the leadership of then-military officer Hugo Chavez and became close to Chavez. He even ran for election under Chavez's leadership in 1998.

During Chavez's tenure, Maduro also served as President of the National Assembly and Foreign Minister. During his tenure as Foreign Minister, Maduro expanded Venezuela's oil business worldwide. Before his death, Chavez chose Maduro as his successor, and after Chavez's death in 2013, Maduro won the election and became President of Venezuela.

Inflation is at its peak in Venezuela

During Maduro's tenure, the country was plunged into a severe economic crisis and inflation reached a peak. Maduro's rule was marked by rigged elections, food shortages, and human rights abuses. He brutally suppressed anti-government protests in 2014 and 2017. He was elected president for a third term in the national elections held in January 2025.