Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Visits India but Misses JNU Address

New Delhi: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro felt a sense of familiarity during his visit to Delhi, especially when passing through Simón Bolívar Marg in Chanakyapuri. Bolívar, known as El Libertador, led several Latin American countries to independence from Spanish colonial rule. Delhi also honors other Latin American leaders, including Benito Juárez and José de San Martín, with streets named after them.

Maduro’s Previous Visits to India

President Maduro has visited India multiple times. He first came in 2005 in a private capacity, returned as Venezuela’s Foreign Minister in 2012, and then as President in 2015. On this visit, the Venezuelan leader once again traversed familiar parts of Delhi, from Indira Gandhi International Airport to his hotel, taking particular note of Simón Bolívar Marg, which reminded him of his nation’s revered revolutionary leader.

Simón Bolívar (1783–1830), the legendary liberator, secured independence for Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Bolívar envisioned a united Latin America and remains a symbol of anti-imperialism and revolutionary ideals.

Missed Opportunity to Address JNU Students

Unlike his predecessor Hugo Chávez, Maduro could not address students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Although he had intended to do so, the program was canceled at the last minute for undisclosed reasons. Chávez had successfully engaged with JNU students during his visit on March 4, 2005, sharing his socialist ideals with thousands of eager students.

Prof. Chaman Lal, a JNU academic, noted that such a large student gathering was unprecedented in the university’s history. Former Spanish Department student Ashok Kumar Pipal added that Chávez’s speech in Spanish was translated into English by Prof. Shamu Prasad Ganguly for the audience.

Bolívar’s Enduring Legacy in Delhi

The naming of Simón Bolívar Marg coincided with Chávez’s visit. Lined with trees on both sides, the road serves as a prominent symbol of Venezuela in India, reflecting the high regard for leaders who fought for their nation’s freedom—similar to the respect India accords to Mahatma Gandhi. A statue of Bolívar is also installed on this road, which lies near the U.S. Embassy and the American School.

Other Latin American Leaders Honored in Delhi

• Benito Juárez Marg in South Delhi near Dhaula Kuan, named after the 19th-century Mexican president and independence icon.
• San Martín Marg in Chanakyapuri, named after José de San Martín, the Argentine general and South American independence leader.

Maduro’s visit highlights the historic ties between India and Latin America and the enduring legacy of global freedom fighters celebrated across continents.