Caribbean crisis

US action in Venezuela threatens India’s economic interests

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The Trump administration’s blockade and seizure of “sanctioned” oil tankers linked to Venezuela in international waters represent a new low in the United States’ (US’) foreign policy and raise fresh questions on the principles and ethics of Washington’s recent global leadership.

Done without the US Congress’ approval, these actions raise fears of all-out war. The US earlier this month seized two tankers and is pursuing a third, claiming all three were linked to a dark or shadow fleet used by Venezuela, Iran, and Russia to avoid Western sanctions and ship oil mainly to China but also to India. Raising doubts about the veracity of the administration's motives, at least one of the seized vehicles does not appear on the list of official sanctions. Mr Trump’s declaration that oil from the captured tankers could be sold or added to US strategic reserves adds an element of amorality to US actions.