Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held talks with Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
As India and the South American nation sought to deepen cooperation in energy, trade and investment amid shifting global oil markets.
Rodriguez received a ceremonial welcome in New Delhi before meeting Modi at Hyderabad House. The visit comes at a time when India is significantly increasing crude oil imports from Venezuela, which possesses some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves and has become an increasingly important energy supplier for New Delhi.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar welcomed the Venezuelan leader and said her discussions with Modi would help strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across key sectors.
The five-day visit is focused on exploring opportunities in energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation and renewable energy. Officials from both sides are expected to discuss ways to enhance economic engagement and strengthen long-term strategic cooperation.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, has stepped up purchases of Venezuelan crude in recent months as it seeks to diversify supplies and ensure energy security amid volatility in global markets. Venezuela has emerged as one of India’s major crude suppliers following the resumption of oil trade between the two countries.
Speaking after arriving in India, Rodriguez described the trip as an opportunity to advance bilateral relations and identify new avenues of cooperation. She said discussions would focus on areas that could contribute to Venezuela’s economic development while strengthening ties with India.
Rodriguez, who assumed office as Venezuela’s interim president earlier this year, is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes ministers handling key portfolios. Her visit is being viewed as a significant step in reinforcing India-Venezuela relations, particularly in the energy sector, which remains the cornerstone of engagement between the two countries.
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