Venezuelan interim president arrives in India for energy cooperation talks

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez has arrived in New Delhi for a significant five-day visit aimed at bolstering energy cooperation with India. Her arrival marks her first official visit to the Asian nation in her current capacity, occurring amidst a global oil crisis that underscores the importance of stable energy partnerships.

Rodríguez expressed enthusiasm for her visit, describing India as a "valorous, spiritual country and an economic power that plays a very relevant role in the world today." She anticipates a "very fruitful agenda" focused on cooperation that will benefit Venezuela's primary needs. The trip includes a high-level meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussions with key industrial leaders, signaling a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral relations.

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Happy to be in such a valorous, spiritual country and an economic power that today plays a very relevant role in the world (...) We are going to have a very fruitful agenda where I hope to address areas of cooperation for the benefit of the primary needs of the people of Venezuela.

The Venezuelan delegation is extensive, including the foreign minister, minister of science and technology, and vice presidents for health and communication. A key part of the agenda involves a visit to Jamnagar to tour Reliance Industries' refinery, the world's largest, which could become a crucial destination for Venezuelan crude oil. The delegation also plans to meet with the Tata Group and explore clean energy projects with the International Solar Alliance.

This renewed commercial engagement aligns with India's strategy to secure its energy supply, particularly given the instability in global shipping lanes. Indian public companies already hold significant investments in Venezuela's energy sector, and Venezuela has become India's fourth-largest oil supplier, according to Kpler data. The visit is expected to deepen these ties and explore new avenues for collaboration.

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deepen even further the ties between India and Venezuela and give continuity to the impetus of their association.