ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash EP-379 | Venezuela Crisis, Trump’s Foreign Policy, Greenland, Chinese Weapons & India | Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar
Jan 10, 2026
Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar, a seasoned Indian diplomat, shares insights on the unfolding crisis in Venezuela and its implications for global politics. He critiques the legality of US actions in Venezuela and discusses how China's military equipment failed during the turmoil. The conversation dives into Trump's controversial Greenland purchase idea and India's strategic balancing act in foreign policy. Sajjanhar also explores the surprising phenomenon of Indian godmen's popularity in South America, drawing fascinating connections between cultures.
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Operation Breaches UN Principles
- The U.S. operation in Venezuela violated core international law principles like sovereignty and Article 2 of the UN Charter.
- Self-defense or UN authorization didn't apply, so the action lacks legal justification according to Ashok Sajjanhar.
Domestic Law Can't Mask Sovereignty Breach
- The U.S. frames Maduro as a criminal under domestic law to justify arrest without calling it an act of war.
- Sajjanhar warns domestic legal arguments cannot override international sovereignty norms.
Venezuela's Resource Allure Goes Beyond Oil
- Venezuela's value extends far beyond oil to gold, rare earths, diamonds and more.
- Sajjanhar argues U.S. interest likely includes broad resource extraction, not only hydrocarbons.