Kerala: Former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela R. Viswanathan on Saturday said the reported US military action against Venezuela’s capital was unlikely to have any significant impact on India, asserting that New Delhi’s economic exposure to the Latin American nation remains limited.

Reacting to reports of explosions and alleged US strikes in Caracas to ANI, Viswanathan said the developments were “not a surprise,” recalling that former US President Donald Trump had issued similar threats during his earlier term. He noted that Washington had this time moved warships into the region and authorised the CIA, but stressed that the escalation would not materially affect India.

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India, he said, is not dependent on Venezuela for crude oil imports and bilateral trade volumes are minimal.

“No, it will not affect India... We are not dependent on Venezuela for oil. Our trade is very little and we have some investment by ONGC in their oil fields... So, this is not going to affect India in any big way..,” he added.

His comments came amid heightened uncertainty in Venezuela after multiple explosions were reported across Caracas, with low-flying aircraft seen over the city. The Venezuelan government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations, branding it an “imperialist attack” and calling on citizens to mobilise.

US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that American forces had carried out a “large-scale strike” and that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country in an operation conducted with US law enforcement. Maduro’s whereabouts could not be independently confirmed, prompting Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to demand “proof of life” on state television.

At least seven explosions were reported in the early hours of the third day of 2026, sending residents into the streets in some areas, while other parts of the capital remained largely deserted. Power outages were reported in sections of the city, and smoke was seen rising from a military base hangar, with another installation left without electricity.

The apparent operation lasted less than 30 minutes, and there was no immediate confirmation of casualties. Videos verified by the Associated Press showed tracer fire, smoke and repeated blasts lighting up the night sky over Caracas and an unidentified coastal city.

Despite the dramatic escalation, Viswanathan maintained that the situation would not have major repercussions for India, given its limited trade ties and lack of dependence on Venezuelan oil supplies.