Maria Corina Machado hails India as model: A Voice for Democracy and a Vision for Venezuela

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, hailed India as a global democratic model and anticipated future partnerships post-democratic transition in Venezuela. Inspired by Gandhi's philosophy, she envisioned Indian involvement in rebuilding Venezuela’s economy. Machado criticized Nicolás Maduro’s regime for electoral fraud and human rights abuses while advocating peaceful change. She expressed gratitude for international recognition and remains committed to achieving democracy and freedom for Venezuela.

Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has described India as a "great democracy" and a model for nations worldwide. Speaking from an undisclosed location where she has been in hiding for over a year, Machado expressed her admiration for India's democratic traditions and envisioned a future partnership between the two nations once Venezuela transitions to democracy.

Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her relentless efforts to restore democratic governance in her homeland, Machado emphasized the significance of India's example on the global stage. "India has been a beacon for countless nations as the largest democracy in the world. It is crucial to continuously nurture and safeguard democratic principles," she remarked during an interaction with Times Now.

Born in 1967, Machado shared her aspiration to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "I hope to one day welcome him to a free Venezuela." She revealed a personal connection to India, mentioning her daughter's recent visit and her Venezuelan friends who have made the country their home. Additionally, she highlighted how Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence has deeply influenced her political ideology, noting, "Gandhi demonstrated to humanity that peace is not a weakness but a profound strength."

Machado also outlined her vision for Venezuela's future, emphasizing the role Indian businesses could play in rebuilding the country's economy. She pointed to opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and telecommunications as essential sectors that could benefit from Indian expertise once the socialist framework, which she believes has caused Venezuela’s decline, is dismantled.

Reflecting on Venezuela's 2024 presidential elections, Machado accused Nicolás Maduro’s regime of orchestrating electoral fraud. She claimed to have secured a decisive victory in the opposition primary with 70% of the vote, only to be barred from running by the government. "When we presented Maduro with a proposal for a negotiated transition, he rejected it and unleashed an unprecedented wave of repression," she alleged, citing widespread human rights abuses, including disappearances and torture.

Despite these challenges, Machado lauded the international community's support for Venezuela's democratic movement. She highlighted the role of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Latin American allies, European nations, and the potential involvement of Asian countries in holding the Maduro regime accountable. "For over two decades, the Venezuelan people have battled a brutal dictatorship that has devastated one of the wealthiest nations in the Western Hemisphere," she said. "We remain resolute in our fight to ensure the sovereign will of the people prevails, and we trust that India will lend its support to this peaceful transition."

Machado admitted she was still coming to terms with the immense honor of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. "It was completely unexpected. For the international community and the Nobel Committee to acknowledge our struggle is monumental. This recognition will undoubtedly add momentum to the final phase of our peaceful transition," she said.

The Nobel Committee praised Machado for her unwavering dedication to promoting democratic rights and her commitment to achieving a just and non-violent transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. This acknowledgment, Machado believes, is not just a personal triumph but a validation of the resilience and determination of the Venezuelan people.

As Venezuela stands at the crossroads of change, Machado’s vision offers hope for a brighter, democratic future. With her continued leadership and the support of allies like India, the dream of a free Venezuela may soon become a reality.