New Delhi has called for dialogue to ensure peace and stability in South America

India has expressed "deep concern" over the US military attack on Venezuela and the raid that abducted President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on Saturday.

In a carefully worded statement on Sunday, the Indian Foreign Ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation in the oil-rich South American country.

"Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern," the Indian Foreign Ministry said, adding that the South Asian nation "reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety" of the Venezuelan people.

"We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region," the ministry added.

India's statement did not directly name the United States.

Other BRICS members including Russia, China, Brazil and Iran have condemned the US actions in the South American country. "Venezuela should be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without external interference," the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declared that the bombings and capture of Maduro "cross an unacceptable line."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "Such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region."

In its statement on Sunday, the Indian Foreign Ministry added that it was in contact with members of the Indian community in Venezuela and would "continue to provide all possible assistance." There are believed to be 50 Indian citizens in the country and 30 people of Indian origin.

India's Reliance Industries imports 2 million barrels of oil per month from Venezuela, while state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) holds stakes in the San Cristobal and Carabobo-1 oil projects in the country.

(RT.com)