US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has praised India's oil refining capacity and described it as important for the world's energy needs. He said that India is capable of refining heavy crude oil and India can play an important role in this direction if Venezuelan oil comes into the market. Rubio also talked about discussing the possibility of refining and producing Venezuelan oil with Reliance Industries.
Tezzbuzz Desk – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached Mumbai on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 as part of a three-day visit to India. While talking to the media at the Taj Memorial located at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel here, he said that India is a major power in the field of oil refining. According to him, India has the capacity to refine heavy crude oil and has done so in the past also. Rubio expressed hope that India can continue to use this capacity as more Venezuelan oil comes into the market.
Rubio said that India already has oil concessions in Venezuela, through which it can also increase its oil production. He said that Venezuelan oil can provide some relief amid the challenges related to energy demand and supply around the world. However, he also clarified that the shortage caused by global conditions cannot be filled by Venezuelan oil alone, but it can help in the short run and can also play an important role in the long run.
The US Secretary of State said that this topic has been discussed with India before and India seems willing to move forward in this direction. However, some obstacles may arise due to sanctions and other reasons, which both the countries will have to resolve together. He said that energy related issues are among the main topics of his visit to India.
Rubio also described the proposed talks with Reliance Industries as important. He said that he is going to meet a company which has the capacity to refine large quantities of crude oil. According to him, if oil is to be used effectively then it is necessary to refine it first. For this reason, he will discuss with Reliance the possibilities of refining heavy crude oil coming from Venezuela and oil production there.
On the question of India buying oil from Russia, Rubio said that India has repeatedly expressed its desire to diversify its energy portfolio. Describing it as a wise step, he said that change in energy sources cannot be done overnight. According to Rubio, India has made significant progress in this direction and the US can play a role in supplying some other sources for India's energy needs. He said that energy supply from other countries including Venezuela has also been discussed.
Rubio described energy as an important national security issue. He said that there are conflicts regarding energy among many countries of the world and due to energy crisis the economies are also affected. He said that in his role as US Secretary of State as well as National Security Advisor, he is discussing energy related issues during this visit.
Marco Rubio also paid tribute to the victims of 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. He will attend the 'Freedom 250' reception to mark the 250th anniversary of America's independence at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai on the evening of the first day of his visit. After this, on Wednesday, October 21, he is scheduled to visit Jamnagar in Gujarat, where he will visit the oil refinery of Reliance Industries.
This visit of Rubio is also considered important from the point of view of relations between India and America. Both countries are currently working towards finalizing a comprehensive trade agreement. Issues related to energy cooperation, oil supplies and trade are expected to be discussed during the visit, which comes just days after India was given exemption from US tariffs on the issue of buying oil from Russia.