SYLLABUS

GS-2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.

Context: The rip-roaring US strikes on Venezuela under Operation Absolute Resolve, leading to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, have become the clearest signal of the 'Donroe Doctrine' to wield American dominance across the region.

Probable reasons for the Strikes

• Securing Venezuela's Resources: Venezuela holds 303 billion barrels of crude, about one-fifth of all global reserves, the largest proven stash on the planet.
• Charges of "narcoterrorism": The U.S. accused the Maduro regime of heading a narco-terrorist organisation like the Cartel de los Soles, which are involved in large-scale drug trafficking into the United States.
• Reasserting U.S. Influence in the Western Hemisphere: The operation reaffirms U.S. strategic dominance in Latin America, particularly amid fears of growing Chinese and Russian influence in the region.
  • Since 2014, China has accounted for 46% of all arms imports by Venezuela.

Potential consequences of 'Donroe Doctrine'

• Chilling Ripple Effect: Normalises the idea that great powers can claim exclusive control over regions and extend Sphere-of-Influence Politics, encouraging China andRussia to justify similar doctrines.
• Reminiscent of naked imperialism: US openly threatened Colombia and Cuba to "ready to fall”, folded Canada in as America's "51st state", relabelled Greenland as "our land", renamed the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America", and declared the Panama Canal firmly back under US control, eroding the Rules-Based International Order.
• Article 2(4) of the UN Charter: All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
• Political Instability in the Western Hemisphere: Increasing Regime-change operations and Military interventions could destabilise fragile states.
• Revival of Cold War era: It can exacerbate U.S.–China and U.S.–Russia competition, and risk of proxy conflicts and diplomatic confrontations.

Impact of the 'Donroe Doctrine' on India:

• Positive Impacts
  • Countering China: doctrine aims to check Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere, strengthening India–US strategic convergence.
  • Energy Security: India’s engagement in Venezuela can be revived with the revival of upstream stakes (ONGC Videsh, IOC, Oil India) and crude imports (Reliance Industries).
  • Expansion of Export market: India could expand Pharma exports, IT services and Energy cooperation (lithium, oil, gas) to Latin American countries amidst intensified U.S.–China rivalry.
• Negative Impacts
• Unilateralism: This doctrine weakens the rules-based international order and undermines Principles like sovereignty and non-intervention.
• Sitting on Ring-fence: It creates pressure on India to choose sides that constrain India’s strategic autonomy, a core principle of Indian foreign policy.
• Disrupt global trade: Conflict increases commodity price volatility and pushes towards De-globalization.

Source:
moneycontrol