Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Venezuela's Leadership Changes and Historical Ties
Delcy Rodriguez became Venezuela's interim president after Nicolas Maduro was captured by US forces.
She has a special connection to India, as she is a follower of the spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba and has visited his ashram in India twice.
Rodriguez's appointment was supported by Maduro's son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra.
The Venezuelan constitution allows her to serve as interim president for up to 90 days, with a possible extension.
This change in leadership has caused political uncertainty in Venezuela, with protests and discussions about future elections.
Historically, India and Venezuela have had diplomatic ties, with Indira Gandhi visiting Venezuela in 1968 to strengthen these relations.
Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president on January 6, 2026, following Nicolas Maduro's capture by US forces.
Rodriguez is a devotee of Indian spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba and has visited his ashram in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, twice.
Her first visit to the ashram was on August 5, 2023, and the second was on October 26, 2024.
Rodriguez's appointment was supported by Maduro's son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, who pledged his unconditional support.
The Venezuelan constitution allows Rodriguez to serve as interim president for up to 90 days, with a possible extension to July 2026.
- Who
- Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's new interim president
- What
- Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president after Nicolas Maduro's capture by US forces
- When
- Monday, January 6, 2026
- Where
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Why
- Maduro's capture created a political vacuum, leading to Rodriguez's appointment as interim president
Pro-Rodriguez
Anti-Rodriguez
Legitimacy of Interim Presidency
Pro-Rodriguez
Rodriguez's appointment is constitutional and necessary for stability.
Anti-Rodriguez
The appointment is seen as a power grab amid political uncertainty.
- Name
- Delcy Rodriguez
- Role
- Interim President of Venezuela
- Predecessor
- Nicolas Maduro
- Swearing-In Date
- Monday, January 6, 2026
- Spiritual Connection
- Devotee of Sathya Sai Baba
- Visits to India
- 2 (August 5, 2023 and October 26, 2024)
- Location of Visits
- Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh
- Support from Maduro's Son
- Unconditional support from Nicolas Maduro Guerra
- Historical Visit
- Indira Gandhi's 18-hour visit in 1968
- Diplomatic Relations
- Established resident mission in Caracas
Sources
Venezuela makes Rodríguez acting president, securing power
Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s Little-Known India Connect
Venezuela Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, a Devotee of Baba, Visited Puttaparthi Thrice
Why Venezuela's New Interim President Delcy Rodriguez Keeps Returning to a Sai Baba Ashram in Andhra
The little-remembered 18 hours that Indira Gandhi spent in Venezuela
