In a global exclusive, Times Now has secured the only Indian news channel interview with María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner and Venezuelan opposition leader, long seen as the face of democratic resistance against President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime. The interview was conducted by Navika Kumar, Group Editor-in-Chief of Times Now and Times Now Navbharat.
Speaking from an undisclosed location after more than 15 months in hiding, Machado was emotional and powerful, praising India’s democratic values and its growing global role as a symbol of freedom and resilience. She called India a “great democracy” and “an example for the world,” expressing her admiration for the nation’s leadership and institutions. “India has been an example for many generations. You have a responsibility because many countries look up to you,” Machado stated during the exclusive interview, adding a hopeful note: “I hope I can host Prime Minister Modi in a free Venezuela very soon.”
In a statement that has garnered immediate global attention, Machado referred to former U.S. President Donald Trump as “our main ally” in Venezuela’s ongoing struggle for democracy. She credited Trump’s strong policies and firm stance against Maduro’s rule for helping the Venezuelan resistance movement gain critical ground. Machado commented, “We’re seeing results of a strategy to achieve peace through strength,” and described America’s actions against narco-terror networks in Venezuelan waters as “a response to the criminal socialist structures that have devastated our nation.”
Fighting back tears, the Nobel Peace Prize recipient described the harrowing conditions faced by those resisting Maduro’s government. She revealed, “I’ve been in absolute isolation for almost 15 months.” She spoke of the dire humanitarian crisis, noting, “Thousands have disappeared. Children and women have been abused, tortured, even killed.” Despite the hardship, she maintained a defiant tone, declaring, “But Venezuela’s spirit is unbroken — Maduro’s time is over.”
Machado firmly reiterated her claim that the 2024 Venezuelan presidential elections were stolen, stating, “85% of original tally sheets prove our win.” She drew inspiration for her peaceful resistance from Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing his philosophy: “Being peaceful is not weakness. Mahatma Gandhi showed humanity that to have peace, you need freedom, and freedom demands strength.”
This exclusive broadcast by Times Now not only shines a light on Venezuela’s profound political and humanitarian crisis but also highlights India’s rising influence as a democratic model for nations experiencing political turmoil. Machado’s emotional appeal and high praise for India’s democratic journey underscore the country’s importance in shaping global conversations around freedom, justice, and peace.
The exclusive interview with María Corina Machado, hosted by Navika Kumar, will air on Times Now at 6 pm and 9 pm tonight. Viewers can also watch the broadcast live on Times Now’s website.
Key Highlights:
- Global Exclusive: Times Now conducted the only Indian news channel interview with 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has been in hiding for over 15 months.
- Praises India: Machado hailed India as a “great democracy” and “an example for the world,” expressing hope to host Prime Minister Modi in a free Venezuela soon.
- Trump “Main Ally”: She referred to former U.S. President Donald Trump as “our main ally” in the fight against Maduro’s regime, crediting his firm stance for advancing the democratic resistance.
- Crisis and Defiance: Machado described the horrific human rights situation, including disappearances and abuse, but asserted that the opposition’s win was proven by 85% of tally sheets and that Maduro’s “time is over.”