Leading Indian two-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto has moved swiftly to address concerns about its business exposure to Venezuela, following the dramatic capture of the South American nation's President, Nicolas Maduro, by the United States on Saturday. The company stated that its shipments to the crisis-hit country constitute a very small fraction of its overall overseas business.
Minimal Exposure to Venezuelan Market
Rakesh Sharma, the Executive Director of Bajaj Auto, provided clarity on the situation. He confirmed that the company does export vehicles to Venezuela, where its Pulsar and Boxer models enjoy significant popularity. However, Sharma emphasized that these exports account for less than 1 per cent of Bajaj Auto's total export volumes. This statement was made in direct response to queries about the potential operational implications for the company following the arrest of President Maduro, which has plunged Venezuela into a fresh wave of political and economic uncertainty.
Robust Overall Export Performance
Despite the turmoil in one market, Bajaj Auto's broader export story remains strong. The company reported impressive numbers for the first nine months of the current financial year, FY26. Between April and December, Bajaj Auto's total exports reached 16,39,971 units. This marks a substantial 19 per cent increase compared to the 13,73,595 units exported during the same period in the previous financial year.
Other Indian Automakers' Stance
Bajaj Auto is not the only Indian two-wheeler maker assessing its ties with Venezuela. Another major player, TVS Motor Company, has also commented on its presence in the region. A spokesperson for TVS Motor indicated that the company has no meaningful or significant operational presence in Venezuela. This suggests that the direct impact of the current crisis on TVS's international business is likely to be negligible.
The developments in Venezuela highlight the geopolitical risks that global companies, including Indian exporters, must navigate. For Bajaj Auto, its diversified export portfolio and strong growth in other international markets appear to provide a buffer against instability in any single region.
