New Delhi: Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, arrived in India on Wednesday for a five-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, with energy cooperation expected to dominate discussions between the two countries.
The visit, scheduled from June 3 to 7, comes at a significant time in India-Venezuela relations. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Rodríguez will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Indian officials on a range of issues, including energy security, trade and investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy.
Energy Partnership Takes Center Stage
Energy cooperation is expected to be the key focus of the visit as India continues efforts to diversify its crude oil import sources amid volatility in global energy markets.
India has significantly increased its purchases of Venezuelan crude oil in recent months following the resumption of Venezuelan oil exports and improving trade conditions.
In May, India emerged as one of the largest buyers of Venezuelan oil, importing approximately 427,000 barrels per day, trailing only Russia and the United Arab Emirates among its major suppliers. Venezuela accounted for nearly one-third of India’s oil imports from the Americas during the month.
Indian refiners have stepped up acquisitions of Venezuelan crude, with Reliance Industries becoming one of the country’s leading buyers. Venezuela’s overall oil exports also climbed to 1.25 million barrels per day in May, marking the third consecutive month of growth in overseas shipments.
Expanding Cooperation Beyond Oil
Beyond energy, both sides are expected to explore opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
MEA officials said discussions will focus on identifying new avenues for economic engagement and enhancing collaboration in sectors of mutual interest. Rodríguez is also expected to interact with representatives of India’s energy industry during her stay.
The visit represents one of the highest-level engagements between India and Venezuela in recent years, underscoring the shared interest of both nations in expanding economic ties and building a long-term strategic partnership in the energy sector and beyond.
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