US President Donald Trump has issued a series of blunt warnings to multiple countries in recent hours, signalling an increasingly confrontational stance across global regions.
This follows a bold US military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his subsequent transfer to New York to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. Since the operation, Trump has spoken out against at least five countries, including India, Iran, Cuba, Colombia, and Greenland.
The operation, which occurred in the early hours, involved US Special Forces conducting a pre-dawn raid in Caracas, capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence within a heavily guarded military fortress.
The Trump administration justified the operation, citing national security and law enforcement concerns, including charges of narco-terrorism. Elite Delta Force units, accompanied by CIA and FBI agents, reportedly transported Maduro and his wife by helicopter to the US warship Iwo Jima before transferring them to New York for trial.
President Trump, who reportedly watched the operation unfold live, praised its execution and declared that he is now "in charge of Venezuela." The operation shocked the region, despite long-standing allegations against Maduro, including a $25 million US bounty. His ally, Delcy Rodríguez, was quickly sworn in as acting president.
Trump has long accused Maduro of heading a drug cartel and enabling illegal immigration, and in 2020, Maduro was indicted for cocaine smuggling. His Cartel de los Soles was subsequently labelled a foreign terrorist organisation, with bounties rising to $50 million.
While some US lawmakers of Venezuelan descent supported the raid, many Democrats raised concerns about its legality, noting that only Congress has the authority to declare war. The Pentagon defended the operation, stating it was “authorised” to counter “national security threats posed by the illegitimate Maduro regime.”
Vice President JD Vance defended the mission, saying Maduro must face justice for alleged drug trafficking. The raid, one of the most significant US operations in Latin America in decades, has been compared to the 1989 Panama invasion targeting General Noriega.
Trump detailed the “amazing military achievement” to Republican lawmakers in Washington DC, earning a standing ovation. He claimed many were killed, “mostly Cubans”, during the assault on Maduro and Cilia Flores’ Caracas compound, while no Americans died. Cuban officials reported 32 Cuban deaths, and Venezuelan media cited 57 fatalities, including two civilian women.
Trump highlighted the scale of the operation, noting 152 planes were involved, and praised the US military as “the most powerful, most lethal, most sophisticated, and most fearsome” force on Earth.
Trump reaffirms interest in Greenland
President Donald Trump doubled down on his claim that Greenland is vital for US national security, despite calls from Denmark’s Prime Minister to stop “threatening” the territory. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.”
The controversy escalated after Katie Miller, wife of a top aide, posted an image of Greenland’s flag in US colours with the caption “Soon.” Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the claim “absolutely absurd” and urged Washington to respect its historical ally. Greenland’s Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen described the post as “disrespectful” but said there was “neither reason for panic nor concern.”
Trump linked Greenland to his broader regional strategy following the US military operation in Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro was captured. He has also signalled interest in Colombia, Iran, Mexico, and Cuba, citing oil, minerals, and drug trade concerns. On Venezuela, Trump said the US will “run” the country indefinitely and tap its oil reserves, while warning Colombian and Iranian authorities of potential US action.
Spiritual link to Sathya Sai Baba
Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores had a long-standing spiritual connection to India. Long before his tenure was defined by political controversies and international sanctions, the couple were followers of Indian spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba. They visited the Prasanthi Nilayam ashram in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, in 2005 for a private meeting, and a photo of the young couple seated with Sai Baba has resurfaced on social media amid recent developments.
Raised Catholic, Maduro was introduced to Sai Baba through Flores, and together they cultivated a spiritual practice alongside their political ambitions. As Maduro rose through the ranks, his reverence for the guru remained visible. Reports indicate that a portrait of Sathya Sai Baba hung prominently in Maduro’s private office at the Miraflores Palace, alongside images of Simon Bolivar and Hugo Chavez.
Following Sai Baba’s death in 2011, Maduro, then Venezuela’s foreign minister, pushed for a National Assembly condolence resolution, declaring a day of national mourning to acknowledge the guru’s spiritual contributions. Under his governance, the Sathya Sai organisation continued to operate in Venezuela, which now hosts one of the largest Sai Baba devotee communities in Latin America, with roots dating back to 1974.
In 2024, government invitations for National Day celebrations even featured the “om” symbol, reflecting the enduring cultural footprint of the spiritual community. Just months before his capture, Maduro publicly commemorated Sathya Sai Baba’s centenary, describing him as a “being of light” and saying, “I always remember him when we met… May the wisdom of this great teacher continue to enlighten us,” highlighting a personal side of the leader often overshadowed by political controversies.
India urges peace in Venezuela, keeps distance from US criticism
India expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Venezuela, calling on all parties to resolve issues peacefully through dialogue and stressing the importance of regional stability. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is closely monitoring the situation and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of the Venezuelan people.
The MEA confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Caracas remains in contact with members of the local Indian community, which includes around 50 non-resident Indians and 30 people of Indian origin, and continues to provide all possible assistance. Citizens in Venezuela were advised to avoid non-essential travel, exercise extreme caution, limit movement, and stay in touch with the embassy.
India’s cautious and carefully worded response, which notably avoided naming the US or President Donald Trump, reflects the country’s delicate diplomatic balancing act amid rising tensions with Washington. Relations have been strained over trade disputes and Indian purchases of Russian oil, with Trump threatening further tariffs if India does not curb its imports. In response, India has been actively diversifying energy sources, with Russian oil imports in December falling to a three-year low.
The government’s muted stance on Venezuela contrasts sharply with the opposition Congress, which issued a strong condemnation of the US military action. Congress highlighted that respect for national sovereignty is a cornerstone of the post-World War II rules-based global order. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge went further, likening Trump’s actions in Venezuela to those of Adolf Hitler, while also criticising PM Modi for allegedly “bending before” the US President.
World condemns abduction of Venezuela’s Maduro
Countries across the world have strongly condemned Washington’s seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In a joint statement, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, and Uruguay expressed “deep concern” over the US military action in Venezuela, calling it a violation of international law. They warned it set a “dangerous precedent for regional peace and security” and urged a resolution “through dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said any transition in Venezuela must be “peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the people,” hoping opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia would oversee it. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the US action legally “complex” but stressed adherence to international law and warned against further instability.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned,” calling the developments a “dangerous precedent.” China “strongly condemned” the use of force, while Russia denounced it as “armed aggression” and urged dialogue.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for respect for international law, distancing Britain from the recent US raid in Venezuela. Iran condemned the operation as a “blatant violation” and called for UN action.
In her first official statement to Parliament, UK Foreign Secretary Cooper confirmed raising concerns over international law with US Secretary of State Rubio. She noted that the US should clarify its legal justification for the raid, while the UN Security Council was set to discuss Venezuela.
Cooper also spoke with Rubio about the UK's role in supporting a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela. Though she refrained from condemning Trump's actions directly, she stressed that Greenland’s future should be decided by its people and Denmark, not external powers.
Maduro pleads not guilty in NYC over narco-terror charges
Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a Manhattan federal court, pleading not guilty to narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons charges. Wearing a blue prison uniform, he repeatedly stressed he remains the legitimate leader of Venezuela, saying, “I was captured… I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here.” His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty and maintained her role as Venezuela’s first lady.
US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein assured a fair trial, while Maduro’s defence plans pre-trial motions questioning the legality of the US military raid that brought him to New York. Maduro’s lawyer Barry Pollack is not seeking bail for now.
Meanwhile, Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president in Caracas, calling the raid a “kidnapping of two heroes.” Protesters both supporting and opposing Maduro clashed outside the courthouse. Their next court appearance is March 17.
