In a global exclusive, Times Now has become the only Indian news channel to interview Maria Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner and Venezuelan opposition leader, who has long been seen as the face of democratic resistance against President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime.

Speaking from an undisclosed location after more than 15 months in hiding, Machado opened up in an emotional and powerful conversation with Navika Kumar, Group Editor-in-Chief of Times Now and Times Now Navbharat.

According to a press release by Times Now, Machado praised India’s democratic values and its global role as a symbol of freedom and resilience. Calling India a “great democracy” and “an example for the world,” she expressed 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 said during the interview, adding, “I hope I can host Prime Minister Modi in a free Venezuela very soon.”

In a striking moment that has already sparked global attention, Machado referred to former U.S. President Donald Trump as “our main ally” in Venezuela’s struggle for democracy. She credited Trump’s strong policies and firm stance against Maduro’s rule for helping the Venezuelan resistance movement gain ground. “We’re seeing results of a strategy to achieve peace through strength,” she remarked, describing 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, Machado described the harrowing conditions faced by those resisting Maduro’s government. “I’ve been in absolute isolation for almost 15 months. Thousands have disappeared. Children and women have been abused, tortured, even killed. But Venezuela’s spirit is unbroken — Maduro’s time is over,” she said. She reiterated that the 2024 Venezuelan presidential elections were stolen, claiming that “85% of original tally sheets prove our win.”

Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, Machado spoke about the moral strength of peaceful resistance. “Being peaceful is not weakness. Mahatma Gandhi showed humanity that to have peace, you need freedom, and freedom demands strength,” she said.

Machado’s interview not only sheds light on Venezuela’s political and humanitarian crisis but also underscores India’s growing influence as a democratic role model for nations in turmoil. Her emotional appeal and admiration for India’s democratic journey highlight the country’s importance in shaping global conversations around freedom, justice, and peace.

The exclusive interview with Maria 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