Venezuela border controversy: Indian MP reiterates support for Guyana

Indian Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Shashi Tharoor has confirmed that India stands firmly in support of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

Speaking during a media interactive session on Day two of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation visit to Guyana, Dr Tharoor emphasised that India has been closely monitoring the developments related to the decades-old territorial dispute, particularly the recent proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and diplomatic efforts made between the two South American neighbours.
“Our country has been following very closely this entire painful dispute,” Tharoor said. “We were aware that there were diplomatic discussions in December 2023 between the two countries and are aware that there have been discussions at the International Court of Justice. We certainly support a peaceful resolution of this issue,” the MP noted.
India’s reaffirmation of support comes at a critical time, given that Venezuela pushed ahead with controversial internal actions, most recent being the illegal “elections” related to Guyana’s Essequibo region, despite provisional orders from the ICJ instructing it to maintain the status quo and refrain from unilateral provocations.
Additionally, Dr Tharoor comments follow those the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang, who recently called on Venezuela to honour its commitments under the Argyle Declaration and refrain from any provocative actions.
“Our position is that they (Venezuela) should strictly abide with that declaration, which is again, the position of the Government of Guyana, and avoid taking any actions which are against the spirit of the declaration, which includes of course, also the election. So, of course, any action which is being taken which is against that declaration is not something that we will support.”
“The matter is already in the International Court of Justice,” Dr Telang stated. “The Government of Guyana has provided its positions… and made it clear that they will respect whatever judgment would come from the ICJ.”
Back in December 2023, Presidents Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela signed the Argyle Declaration in Argyle, St Vincent and the Grenadines. This agreement was facilitated by regional leaders, including Prime Ministers Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, with support from CARICOM, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Brazil, and the United Nations (UN).
Key provisions of the Argyle Declaration include a commitment to non-aggression, the peaceful resolution framework and the establishment of a joint commission comprising Foreign Ministers and technical experts from both countries was to be formed to address mutually agreed matters.
Despite the provisions, Venezuela continues to use aggressive tactics against Guyana, including plans to unlawfully elect a Governor and legislative council of “Guayana Esequiba State”, which is the name the Spanish-speaking nation has given to Guyana’s Essequibo region. When asked whether India would support Guyana in the event of Venezuelan aggression, the High Commissioner said India’s assistance would be based on an official request from the Guyanese Government.
“It depends on what kind of support the Government of Guyana wants from us,” Dr Telang explained. “We are strong partners and we will continue to support Guyana.” Pressed for specifics, he declined to speculate on the nature of potential support, saying, “I would not like to comment on a hypothetical situation. Let us wait… but once support is requested, India is ready.”
The Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, while also seeking accountability through diplomatic channels.
Earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali had reaffirmed that the GDF is mobilised and prepared to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela.
The Head of State emphasised that security operations are actively underway, particularly in light of Venezuela’s upcoming unlawful elections and continued claims over Guyana’s Essequibo region, claims which Guyana has consistently rejected and challenged through international legal avenues.
After years of failed good offices process through the UN, and based on the recommendation of the-then UN Secretary General, Guyana approached the World Court in March 2018, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which determined the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.
The case is currently pending before the ICJ, which has already established its jurisdiction to hear the matter. Guyana has already filed two written pleadings on the merits, and Venezuela has filed one, with its second pleading due in August 2025. Oral hearings are expected in the first half of 2026, following which the Court will deliberate on the case and issue its final judgment on the Merits, which will be binding on the parties.