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18 Jan 2026·Source: The Indian Express
2 min
International RelationsEconomyEXPLAINED

US Moves on Venezuela and Iran: Implications for India

US policy shifts in Venezuela, Iran could impact India's energy, geopolitics.

US Moves on Venezuela and Iran: Implications for India

Photo by Alex Ko

Background Context

The US has historically imposed sanctions on both Venezuela and Iran due to various political and security concerns.

Why It Matters Now

Recent shifts in US foreign policy necessitate an examination of their potential effects on global geopolitics and energy markets, particularly for countries like India.

Key Takeaways

  • •US policy shifts in Venezuela and Iran.
  • •Impact on global geopolitics.
  • •Effects on energy markets.
  • •Implications for India's foreign policy.
  • •Conditions for Venezuela's oil sector revival.
  • •Iran's actions and regional stability.

Related Concepts

SanctionsGeopoliticsEnergy SecurityForeign Policy

The article discusses the potential implications of the United States' policy shifts towards Venezuela and Iran. It highlights key questions such as the conditions for Venezuela's oil sector to revive, the impact of Iran's actions on regional stability, and the potential consequences for India.

The discussion features YK Sinha and Shuvajit Roy, who provide insights into the geopolitical and economic dimensions of these US foreign policy decisions. The article is relevant for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon international relations, energy security, and India's foreign policy challenges.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: International Relations, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests

2.

GS Paper III: Energy Security, Impact of international events on the Indian economy

3.

Potential question types: Analytical questions on India's foreign policy options, impact of sanctions on India's energy imports

Visual Insights

Geopolitical Implications of US Policy Shifts on Venezuela and Iran

This map highlights the key regions and countries affected by the US policy shifts towards Venezuela and Iran, including potential impacts on India's energy security and foreign policy.

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📍Venezuela📍Iran📍India📍United States

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): 1. The JCPOA was signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries. 2. The JCPOA aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. 3. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is responsible for monitoring Iran's compliance with the JCPOA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The JCPOA was indeed signed between Iran and the P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States; plus Germany). It aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, and the IAEA is responsible for monitoring compliance.

2. Which of the following factors has NOT contributed to the decline in Venezuela's oil production?

  • A.US Sanctions
  • B.Mismanagement of PDVSA (Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A.)
  • C.Political Instability
  • D.Discovery of new large oil reserves
Show Answer

Answer: D

The discovery of new large oil reserves would generally increase oil production, not contribute to its decline. US sanctions, mismanagement of PDVSA, and political instability have all significantly contributed to the decline in Venezuela's oil production.

3. Assertion (A): US sanctions on Iran have significantly impacted India's energy imports. Reason (R): India was a major importer of Iranian oil before the imposition of US sanctions. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • C.A is true, but R is false
  • D.A is false, but R is true
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. US sanctions on Iran have indeed impacted India's energy imports, and India was a major importer of Iranian oil before the sanctions were imposed.

Part of Story Threads

Escalating Tensions Involving Iran and Implications for India - January 2026

Timeline of events in January 2026 related to protests in Iran, US policy towards Iran and Venezuela, potential US strike on Iran, and the impact on India's interests including energy security and trade.

Geopolitical Tensions and Shifting Alliances - January 2026

Focuses on specific geopolitical events in January 2026, including US moves on Venezuela and Iran, India's Gaza policy, and European troop deployments in Greenland.

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