Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez to Visit India as Energy Cooperation and Oil Imports Deepen

During the visit, Rodríguez is scheduled to hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the talks will cover the entire spectrum of India-Venezuela relations and explore expanded cooperation in energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy.

The visit comes at a time when India is significantly increasing its crude oil imports from Venezuela. In May, India emerged as the second-largest importer of Venezuelan oil, purchasing approximately 427,000 barrels per day, second only to the United States. Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries has also become one of the largest buyers of Venezuelan crude in recent months.

Rodríguez is also expected to engage with leading energy industry representatives in Mumbai, reflecting India’s growing interest in Venezuela’s heavy crude supplies. Indian refiners have been actively diversifying their import sources amid global supply disruptions.

The geopolitical backdrop of the visit is marked by heightened instability in global energy markets, particularly disruptions affecting maritime oil routes through the Strait of Hormuz. These disruptions have intensified India’s efforts to secure alternative crude suppliers, given its status as one of the world’s largest oil importers.

India had previously halted imports of Venezuelan oil but resumed purchases following a relaxation of sanctions earlier this year. Under the revised framework, Venezuelan oil trade has been restructured with oversight mechanisms involving U.S.-administered financial channels governing proceeds from sales.

Rodríguez last visited India in February 2025 in her capacity as Venezuela’s oil minister during the India Energy Week conference. Her current visit is expected to further consolidate energy cooperation and expand commercial engagement between New Delhi and Caracas.

As global energy flows continue to shift, the visit underscores a broader strategic recalibration in India’s oil procurement policy and Venezuela’s efforts to re-establish its position in key international energy markets.