NEW DELHI (AP) — Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday as India works to strengthen relationships with oil-producing nations amid global energy supply challenges.
According to Rudrendra Tandon, a senior official in India’s foreign ministry, the discussions in New Delhi centered on enhancing energy partnerships. He noted that Venezuela has risen to become India’s third-largest source of crude oil in recent weeks.
“India is aggressively seeking new sources of crude oil and energy to strengthen its energy security,” Tandon stated, describing Venezuela as an “opportunity and is very much part of our plans.”
The leaders also discussed potential investments by Indian companies in Venezuelan industries such as mining, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and automobiles, according to Tandon.
The diplomatic meeting occurs as India has boosted Venezuelan crude purchases over recent months, elevating the South American nation’s importance as a supplier to the world’s third-largest oil importing country.
India relies on imports for approximately 90% of its oil needs. Roughly half of these supplies travel through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping corridor that has been effectively blocked due to the Iran war.
Rodriguez also conducted meetings with India’s foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on Thursday and has planned discussions with Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Her visit will include tours of Indian facilities in the energy, pharmaceutical and automobile industries.
