NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday for talks aimed at enhancing trade between India and the oil-rich nation.
India’s foreign ministry highlighted the huge oil reserves in Venezuela as a significant opportunity, noting the country has already become an important supplier of crude oil.
Rodriguez, who has been leading Venezuela since January after the U.S. captured former president Nicolas Maduro, received a warm welcome from Modi at New Delhi’s Hyderabad House before their discussions began. Modi expressed his pleasure at meeting Rodriguez, stating, “We had detailed discussions on enhancing cooperation in energy, technology, agriculture, health, and cultural exchanges.”
He emphasized the importance of Venezuela as a partner in Latin America, describing their collaboration as essential for the Global South.
Upon her arrival, Rodriguez shared her hopes for “very productive” discussions. Her visit comes at a time when India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, is increasing its purchase of Venezuelan crude to manage supply challenges caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
A senior official from India’s foreign ministry, Rudrendra Tandon, explained, “The government is actively searching for new sources of crude oil to secure India’s energy needs. Venezuela fits into this strategy nicely.”
Typically, India sources about half of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz. However, recent restrictions from Iran on shipping in this vital route—responsible for about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies—have prompted India to diversify its sources.
