Maduro Arrives in New York After Overnight U.S. Capture, India Issues Travel Warning
Updated (2 articles)
Overnight U.S. operation brings Maduro to New York The United States conducted a covert raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in the early hours of January 4, 2026, and transported him to upstate New York. He was later flown to New York City to appear before federal prosecutors [1]. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation and posted a photo of Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima hours later [2].
Maduro faces New York drug‑trafficking indictment Federal authorities will charge Maduro with conspiring to distribute illegal narcotics, linking him to Colombian cartels. The indictment is scheduled for presentation in Manhattan federal court later this week [1][2]. Legal analysts note the case could set a precedent for prosecuting foreign heads of state on U.S. soil.
India advises citizens to avoid Venezuela and offers assistance The Ministry of External Affairs issued a travel advisory urging Indians to refrain from non‑essential trips to Venezuela and to exercise extreme caution if already present [2][1]. The embassy in Caracas provided a phone line, WhatsApp contact, and email for consular support, noting roughly 50 NRIs and 30 PIOs remain in the country [2]. Indian officials warned that the evolving security situation could affect the safety of expatriates.
Sources
-
1.
The Hindu:Maduro arrives in the United States after overnight capture as Delhi bail verdict looms: Reports Maduro’s capture, transport to New York, pending drug‑trafficking charges, and includes India’s travel warning .
-
2.
The Hindu:India asks citizens to avoid all non‑essential travel to Venezuela: Details the MEA advisory, embassy contact information, Trump’s photo on USS Iwo Jima, and estimates of Indian nationals in Venezuela .
Timeline
Jan 3, 2026 – The United States conducts an overnight operation that captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and President Donald Trump later posts a photo of Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima, signaling a dramatic escalation in U.S.–Venezuela tensions [1].
Jan 3, 2026 – India’s Ministry of External Affairs issues a travel advisory urging all Indian nationals to avoid non‑essential travel to Venezuela, provides the Caracas embassy’s phone, WhatsApp, and email contacts, and warns citizens to limit movements and stay in touch with the embassy [1].
Jan 4, 2026 – Nicolás Maduro lands in upstate New York after his overnight capture and is expected to be flown to New York City to face U.S. drug‑trafficking charges, underscoring the legal fallout of the operation [2].
Jan 4, 2026 – The Indian Army signs a ₹293 crore emergency procurement contract with NIBE Limited and its Israeli partner for an advanced long‑range rocket launcher system capable of striking targets at 150‑300 km, expanding India’s deep‑strike artillery capability [2].
Jan 4, 2026 – The Supreme Court of India schedules a judgment on the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and co‑accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case for Jan 5, highlighting a high‑profile legal battle under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [2].
Jan 4, 2026 – A severe water‑contamination outbreak in Indore kills six people and hospitalises 203, including 34 in intensive care, prompting a public‑health emergency across 41 hospitals [2].
Jan 4, 2026 – Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is appointed chief of the Assam screening committee for the upcoming state assembly elections, joining similar panels announced for Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry [2].
2026 (future) – U.S. authorities plan to bring Nicolás Maduro to New York to face charges linked to drug cartels, indicating a potential extradition and trial process [1].
2026 (present) – Approximately 50 non‑resident Indians and 30 persons of Indian origin remain in Venezuela, relying on the embassy’s contact details amid heightened security concerns [1].