New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged Indian citizens to steer clear of all non-essential travel to Venezuela due to the recent turmoil and rapidly shifting security dynamics in the South American nation.

In an advisory released through its media center, the MEA emphasized the need for Indian nationals to maintain a heightened sense of vigilance, although no specific reasons were provided for the cautionary message.

"Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela," stated the advisory.

Moreover, the MEA provided specific guidance for those Indians currently in Venezuela, recommending they exercise extreme caution, limit their movements, and maintain regular communication with the Embassy of India in Caracas.

"All Indians currently in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, limit their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas," it noted.

To aid in providing assistance, the MEA shared contact information for the Indian mission, urging nationals to reach out via the official email ID cons.caracas@mea.gov.in for consular support or updates. In emergencies, Indians are instructed to contact the embassy at +58-424-9848288, which is also available for WhatsApp communications.

This advisory comes in the wake of rising tensions in Venezuela, marked by significant developments concerning the country's leadership. Recently, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife were evacuated from Venezuela by helicopter and transported to the USS Iwo Jima, a US warship stationed in the Caribbean.

Trump remarked, "They’ll be heading into New York," adding that the helicopters facilitated their exit from the country.

As per reports from US media, Maduro may make an initial appearance in a federal court in Manhattan as soon as Monday. Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that Maduro and his wife have already been indicted in the Southern District of New York on various charges, including those related to narcotics.

Trump dismissed criticism regarding the legality of the US operation, cautioning Venezuelan officials against continuing their support for Maduro, while several senior Venezuelan leaders condemned the operation on state television.

Sources familiar with the mission indicated that the operation involved elite US units, backed by intelligence from the CIA and executed by US Army Delta Force personnel in what was characterized as a highly confidential operation.

Maduro has been facing US criminal charges since 2020, with accusations of corruption, drug trafficking, and the undermining of democratic institutions—claims that the Venezuelan leadership consistently denies.

In this context, the MEA's advisory highlights the pressing concerns regarding the unstable situation in Venezuela and the potential dangers for foreign nationals, including Indians, amidst ongoing political and security events.