Congress MP in Lok Sabha Shashi Tharoor on Sunday (January 4, 2026) gave a strong reaction to the action taken by the US military against Venezuela. Terming it a flagrant violation of international rules, he said that in today’s world, rules and laws are being sidelined in favor of power. He said in clear words that the principle of one’s stick, one’s buffalo has now become dominant in the international system.

In fact, after several months of threats and pressure, America attacked Venezuela on Saturday (January 3, 2026) and removed leftist leader Nicolas Maduro from power. Additionally, he was taken into custody and taken to New York for trial.

Shashi Tharoor posted on social media

International law and the UN Charter have for some years now been honored in the breach, @kapskomThe Law of the Jungle prevails today, “Might is Right” is the new creed, https://t.co/0g7nll3J7e

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 4, 2026

While re-sharing a post by writer Kapil Komireddy on social media platform Today the law of the jungle prevails. Whose stick is his buffalo (might is right) has become the new principle.

What did Kapil say in his post on Komireddy?

In his X post, Komireddy accused Washington of adopting double standards. He said that the same people who are supporting the hooliganism committed in Venezuela today will appeal to international law and the UN Charter when China arrests the President of Taiwan. This entire development has deepened concerns about the weakening of international law in global affairs and the adoption of double standards by the superpowers.

Maduro’s 12 years in power ended due to US action

Maduro’s 12-year rule ended with the US military action in Venezuela. America had announced a reward of 50 million US dollars on Maduro. President Donald Trump previously shared a photo on Truth Social that showed Maduro handcuffed and blindfolded on a US naval ship in the Caribbean. Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were later flown to New York to face drug and weapons-related charges.

Also read: Oil, coal, gold… Know why America attacked Maduro’s country?

As soon as America launched a ground attack on its neighboring country Venezuela, geopolitical tension has increased in the beginning of 2026. Under the leadership of Donald Trump, America has claimed to occupy Venezuela. America has suddenly attacked Venezuela and arrested its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

This attack by America is likely to affect the global market. Changes may be seen in the prices of crude oil and other precious commodities. Because Venezuela not only has oil reserves, but also gold and other metals in large quantities.

Oil prices were at their lowest level in four years

Only last month, oil prices were at their lowest level in four years. US President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric against Venezuela. Apart from these, tension has increased in many areas of the world including China and Taiwan.

By the time the market closed on Friday, the price of Brent crude was above $60, but its price has been falling for the last few days. There is every possibility of change in this trend on Monday.

America will take charge of Venezuela

Venezuela has the largest reserves of crude oil. Trump has made it clear that America will repair Venezuela’s damaged energy infrastructure, for now the administrative command of the country will be in his hands.

Venezuela has immense reserves of oil, but the country is still facing many stringent sanctions. Its supply is limited. IEA has warned that the supply shortage will last into 2026.

Investment may be seen in gold

Apart from the prices of crude oil, people can invest in gold. Gold prices have touched the best price figures in the year 2025. This has been seen for the first time since 1979, that is, an increase of 70% has been seen in the prices of gold in so many years. After America’s attack, there may be a lot of change in their prices.

Venezuela has the largest gold reserves

Venezuela has the largest gold reserves in the American subcontinent. This is approximately 161 metric tons. Its price could be around $22 billion. Fluctuations have also been seen in the prices of silver. An increase of about 160% has been seen in this. On Monday, everyone’s eyes will be on the prices of the US dollar.

Strength of US dollar negative for India

The strengthening of the US dollar proves negative for India. Here, the tariff system imposed by America has also reduced our dependence on America. The currency has been recorded continuously weakening.

All eyes on Wall Street

Positive changes have been seen in the Wall Street Index for three consecutive years. It has entered 2026 with double digit returns. If there is a negative reaction on Wall Street, there will be a direct impact on the global equity market.

America launched a military attack on Venezuela and arrested President Nicolas Maduro along with his wife. This action was carried out by America’s elite Delta Force. After this incident, the question is being raised at the global level that if this conflict turns into a full-scale war, then how long will the Venezuelan army be able to stand against a superpower like America. Although Venezuela’s Defense Minister has spoken of fighting till his last breath, the figures of military capability tell the story of a huge imbalance between the two countries. According to the report of Global Fire Index, America is at first place in terms of military strength. Whereas Venezuela is at number 50. This clearly shows that Venezuela is no where near America.

The Venezuelan armed forces are called the National Bolivarian Armed Forces. This army has been created mainly to maintain the internal security of the country and the stability of the government. At present, the number of its active soldiers is considered to be around 1 lakh 9 thousand. Apart from this, there are about 8 thousand soldiers in the reserve force. If paramilitary forces and militia are also added, the total number reaches around 2 lakh 20 thousand. Although this number looks strong on paper, this army is considered limited in terms of training, sources and technology.

air force and ground forces

The Venezuelan Air Force has a total of about 229 aircraft. Most of these are older Russian models, such as the Su-30MK2. There is a severe shortage of modern stealth fighter jets or advanced air defense systems. The effectiveness of these aircraft is considered limited in the face of modern missile and precision air attacks. The ground army has about 170 to 200 tanks and about 8,800 armored vehicles. These are also mostly old and have limited technology. Talking about the navy, Venezuela has small warships and coast guard boats, but no aircraft carriers or major maritime strike capability.

Defense budget becomes the biggest weakness

Venezuela’s annual defense budget is said to be around 4 to 5 billion dollars. This budget is considered extremely inadequate for modern weapons, new technology and logistics support. Modernization of the army has been stalled for a long time due to economic crisis and sanctions.

Now let’s look at America’s military strength

On the other hand, America is known as the most powerful military power in the world. There are approximately 1.3 million active soldiers in the United States Military. Apart from this, including Reserve and National Guard, this number reaches about 21 lakhs, which is many times more than that of Venezuela.

American air power and naval dominance

The US has more than 13,000 military aircraft, including state-of-the-art stealth fighter jets like the F-22 and F-35. These aircraft are capable of avoiding radar and carrying out precise attacks. Talking about maritime power, the US Navy has about 440 warships, which include 11 nuclear aircraft carriers. Apart from this, missile destroyers, nuclear submarines and long-range strike capabilities make America unbeatable at sea.

Technology, Nuclear and Global Network

America has a huge stockpile of nuclear weapons. Along with this, military bases spread across the world, satellite networks, space force and cyber war capabilities give it an edge at every level. Joint command system and real-time intelligence makes America fast and decisive in any war.

What will be the outcome if there is a war?

If there is a direct war between America and Venezuela, then Venezuela will not be able to last long in a one-on-one fight. America is ahead on every front in technology, weapons, budget and resources. Venezuela’s only option may be to resort to guerrilla tactics, local militias and prolonged asymmetric conflict rather than conventional war. However, this strategy can also show effect only for a limited period of time.

Also read: ‘If Trump can do this then India will kill the mastermind of 26/11…’ What did Asaduddin Owaisi say on Maduro’s arrest?