- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The United States on Saturday carried out a large-scale military strike on Venezuela, following which Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by US forces and taken out of the country. The couple face drug-related and narco-terrorism charges in New York. The operation sparked sharp international reactions, with several Latin American countries condemning the move, along with Venezuela’s long-time allies Russia and China. Beijing said it was “deeply shocked and strongly condemns” the use of force against a sovereign nation and its president.
As attention remains fixed on Maduro’s dramatic arrest, renewed focus has turned to a lesser-known aspect of his personal life, his long-standing spiritual connection to India’s late godman Sathya Sai Baba.
Raised Catholic, Maduro was introduced to Sai Baba by Cilia Flores before their marriage. The couple later became devoted followers of the Indian spiritual leader, a bond that would shape their personal and symbolic worldview.
Private Meeting At Prasanthi Nilayam
In 2005, Maduro and Flores travelled to Prasanthi Nilayam, the Sai Baba ashram in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, where they were granted a private audience. Images from the visit show a young Maduro and Flores seated on the floor beside the godman during the meeting, reflecting the reverence they held for him.
Reports claim that as Maduro rose to power, a portrait of Sathya Sai Baba was displayed prominently in his private office at Miraflores Palace, alongside portraits of national icons Simón Bolívar and former president Hugo Chavez. The placement highlighted the spiritual influence Sai Baba exerted over Maduro’s personal life.
ALSO READ: Maduro's Capture Puts Venezuela Oil In Focus: Can Trump Revive The Industry, Will India Benefit?
Venezuela’s Official Mourning After Sai Baba’s death
Following Sathya Sai Baba’s death in 2011, Maduro, then Venezuela’s foreign minister, advocated an official state response. Under his leadership, the National Assembly passed a condolence resolution and declared a day of national mourning, recognising the guru’s “spiritual contribution to humanity.”
The Sathya Sai organisation continued operating in Venezuela under Maduro’s rule, even as many foreign institutions were forced to exit the country. Venezuela hosts one of the largest Sai Baba devotee communities in Latin America, with roots dating back to 1974.
In November 2025, marking Sathya Sai Baba’s 100th birth anniversary, Maduro broke from political messaging to honour the godman, describing him as a “being of light” and recalling their meeting. The tribute came just months before Maduro’s dramatic capture by US forces.