On November 25, 2025, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro showcased defiance against heightened US military presence in the Caribbean, brandishing the sword of independence hero Simón Bolívar during a rally. This display comes as the US, under the Trump administration, increases its naval assets in the region to combat drug trafficking linked to Maduro’s government, which it accuses of supporting criminal networks. Concurrently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with regional leaders to bolster defense partnerships, emphasizing US commitment to security amidst rising tensions. This situation underscores the strategic importance of the Caribbean and reflects ongoing geopolitical rivalries, with significant implications for global stability and security, particularly for Indian interests in the Western Hemisphere.