Context: The U.S. has escalated its "maximum pressure" campaign against the Maduro government by announcing a naval blockade to stop all sanctioned oil tankers.
- The Basics: A Naval Blockade is an act of war under international law where a power prevents vessels from entering or leaving a port/coast. The U.S. claims this is to stop "narcoterrorism," while Venezuela views it as an illegal violation of sovereignty.
- Impact on India:
- Energy Security: India is a major refiner. Disruptions in Venezuelan crude (which is heavy and suited for Indian refineries) can spike global oil prices.
- Oil-for-Debt: India has historically used "oil-for-debt" swaps with Venezuela’s PDVSA to recover dues; a blockade makes such transactions impossible.
- Subject Reference:
- GS Paper II: International Relations (Bilateral groupings involving India/Interests of India).
- GS Paper III: Energy Security.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
