Ex-Envoy Slams US on Venezuela: 'No Jurisdiction', Warns of Pandora's Box
Ex-UN Envoy Slams US Action in Venezuela, Warns of Precedent

In a sharp critique of recent American moves, former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela, YK Sinha, has stated that the United States has no jurisdiction to intervene in the South American nation's affairs. The seasoned diplomat, speaking on January 05, 2026, labeled Washington's actions as arbitrary and fraught with peril for the global order.

A Dangerous Precedent and a 'Pandora's Box'

Sinha issued a stark warning, asserting that such unilateral actions by powerful nations open a 'Pandora's box'. He argued that this undermines the long-established norms of international law and the fundamental principle of national sovereignty. By bypassing multilateral frameworks, these moves create a volatile precedent where might is mistaken for right.

The former envoy drew direct parallels to past US-led interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. He pointedly questioned the legitimacy and ultimate success of these endeavours, using them as a cautionary tale against attempts to influence or run another sovereign country's internal matters.

Tense Global Environment and Unilateral Actions

Highlighting the current state of affairs, Sinha described the situation in Venezuela as tense and uncertain. Against this backdrop, he posed a critical question to the international community: can the world afford to set precedents where powerful nations act unilaterally?

He emphasized that this is especially risky in today's already volatile global environment. Such actions, he cautioned, do not resolve conflicts but instead risk exacerbating them and creating new flashpoints of instability, with far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond Venezuela's borders.

Upholding Sovereignty in a Multipolar World

The core of Sinha's argument rests on a foundational principle of the United Nations Charter: respect for state sovereignty. His comments reflect a growing global discourse that challenges unilateral interventionism and advocates for diplomatic, multilateral solutions to international disputes.

By invoking the imagery of a 'Pandora's box,' the diplomat underscored the irreversible and potentially catastrophic nature of disregarding international law. His statement serves as a reminder of the need for consistent rules-based engagement among nations, regardless of their power.