Key Facts and Data Points

  • Operation name: Operation Absolute Resolve – US military action that captured President Nicolás Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores and senior officials.
  • Justification: Cited a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine (1823) and framed the move as a response to narco‑terrorism, energy security and the presence of extra‑regional powers (China, Russia, Iran).
  • Venezuela’s oil reserves: ~300 billion barrels (≈ 20% of world’s proven reserves) but contributes < 1 % of global oil production.
  • India‑Venezuela trade (FY2025): Exports $95.3 million (mainly pharmaceuticals); crude oil imports fell 81.3 % to $255.3 million.
  • UN Charter provisions cited: Article 2(4) – prohibition of force; Article 51 – right of self‑defence; Articles 24 & 25 – Security Council’s primary responsibility and authority to authorise collective action.

Background and Context

  • Monroe Doctrine (1823):
  • Non‑colonisation: No new European colonies in the Americas.
  • Non‑interference: External powers influencing Western Hemisphere nations are hostile to the US.
  • US restraint in Europe: US would not intervene in European conflicts.
  • Roosevelt Corollary (1904): Extended the doctrine to grant the US an “international police power” in Latin America.
  • Cold‑War usage: Countered Soviet influence in Cuba and Central America.
  • Post‑Cold‑War: Doctrine receded in favour of multilateralism; recent revival reflects strategic competition with China and Russia.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Economic impact: Minimal immediate effect on India’s trade and energy security due to already low imports from Venezuela.
  • Strategic autonomy: India’s long‑standing advocacy for non‑interventionism is challenged by unilateral US actions, affecting India’s credibility among Global South nations.
  • Energy diversification: If sanctions ease, discounted Venezuelan crude could augment India’s supply options, enhancing bargaining power with West Asian exporters.
  • Geopolitical balance: The episode illustrates great‑power rivalry in the Western Hemisphere, prompting India to recalibrate its diplomatic engagement with both the US and emerging powers.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • United Nations Charter
  • Article 2(4) – General prohibition on the use of force.
  • Article 51 – Right of self‑defence against an armed attack.
  • Article 24 – Primary responsibility of the Security Council for maintaining international peace and security.
  • Article 25 – Obligation of UN members to carry out Security Council decisions.
  • Indian Constitution
  • Article 73 – Executive power of the Union includes conduct of foreign affairs.
  • Article 352 – Provisions for national emergency can affect external security considerations.
  • Article 21 (right to life) is not a foreign‑policy provision, illustrating the separation of domestic rights from external interventions.

Conclusion

The US operation in Venezuela marks a pronounced revival of the Monroe Doctrine, signalling a reassertion of American hegemony to counter rival powers and secure strategic resources. While the direct impact on India is limited, the move raises broader concerns about sovereignty, multilateral norms and the evolving multipolar world order.