Venezuela's Rodriguez to visit India for energy and trade talks

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez is set to visit India from June 3 to June 7, signaling a deepening energy relationship between the two nations. The visit comes at a time when India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, is actively increasing its crude imports from Caracas.

In May, India emerged as the second-largest importer of Venezuelan oil, with purchases reaching 427,000 barrels per day, trailing only the United States. Reliance Industries, a major Indian conglomerate, has become one of the top three buyers of Venezuelan crude in recent months.

During her trip, Rodriguez will engage in discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks are expected to cover a broad range of bilateral issues, including energy cooperation, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy. This visit follows Rodriguez's previous trip to India in February 2025, when she attended the India Energy Week conference as Venezuela's oil minister.

The timing of Rodriguez's visit is significant, as India faces potential supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for oil transport, has been largely inaccessible, impacting over 40% of India's crude oil imports. India had previously halted Venezuelan oil purchases due to U.S. sanctions but resumed them in February after sanctions were eased following an oil supply agreement between Washington and Caracas. Under this agreement, the U.S. Treasury Department oversees the proceeds from Venezuelan oil sales.

“

The discussions will involve the full spectrum of India-Venezuela relations and involve and explore avenues for further cooperation in the areas of energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy.