The 2026 US Military Action in Venezuela: Oil, Power, and India's Silent Tightrope

The nation that holds one-fifth of the world's oil reserves saw its sovereignty shattered overnight. On January 3, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump launched a massive military offensive against Venezuela, fundamentally altering the geopolitical landscape of Latin America.

The 2026 US Military Action in Venezuela and the Oil Motivation

In the pre-dawn hours of January 3, U.S. forces struck Caracas and abducted President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. While Trump framed the operation as a crusade against a "narco-terrorist" dictator, the administration's immediate focus on the oil sector suggests a different priority. The White House announced it would take control of Venezuela's oil industry, promising billions in American investment to revive its crumbling infrastructure.

International reactions have been sharply divided. The European Union maintained a neutral stance, calling for the rule of law without directly condemning Washington. Conversely, many nations in the Global South expressed visceral outrage, viewing the act as a violation of territorial integrity.

Strategic Mutedness: India vs. China's Response

Perhaps the most striking development is the contrast between the world's two most populous nations. China's Foreign Ministry denounced the "hegemonic acts" of the U.S., citing a serious violation of international law. In contrast, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a cautious statement of "deep concern" that avoided any mention of the United States.

Analysts point to India's fragile trade relations with Trump, including a pending 50% tariff threat, as the primary reason for New Delhi's reticence. Furthermore, India's oil imports from Venezuela have plummeted from $1.4 billion to just $255.3 million in the last year, reducing its economic stake in Maduro's survival.