New Delhi, June 04: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held extensive discussions with Delcy Rodriguez, focusing on strengthening energy cooperation and expanding bilateral economic ties between India and Venezuela.
The meeting, held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, was attended by senior officials from both countries, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The talks formed a key part of Rodriguez’s five-day visit to India aimed at deepening strategic and economic relations.
Energy Cooperation Emerges as Key Focus
Addressing a media briefing after the meeting, MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon described the discussions as “substantive” and focused on building a long-term energy partnership.
With Venezuela possessing some of the world’s largest oil reserves and India remaining one of the fastest-growing energy consumers globally, both countries emphasized the strong complementarity between their economies. Discussions covered cooperation in both upstream and downstream segments of the energy sector.
According to Indian officials, Venezuela views India as a stable long-term energy partner, while New Delhi sees opportunities to diversify its energy sources and strengthen energy security.
Venezuela Emerging as Major Oil Supplier
The discussions come at a time when India’s crude oil imports from Venezuela have been increasing significantly.
Recent industry data shows Venezuela has emerged as one of India’s leading oil suppliers, supported by renewed commercial engagement between the two countries. The growing energy relationship has gained importance amid global supply uncertainties and efforts by India to diversify crude import sources.
Officials indicated that both nations are exploring ways to deepen collaboration across the entire energy value chain, including exploration, production, refining, and distribution.
Beyond Oil: New Areas of Economic Cooperation
While energy remained the central theme, the two sides also explored broader economic opportunities.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, discussions covered sectors including:
- Mining and critical minerals
- Agriculture and agricultural equipment
- Animal husbandry
- Transportation and logistics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Automobile manufacturing
- Trade and investment
Officials said the objective is to create opportunities for Indian companies to expand their presence in the Venezuelan market while strengthening long-term economic cooperation.
Venezuela Sees India as a Preferred Partner
Indian officials highlighted the positive atmosphere during the talks, noting that the Venezuelan delegation acknowledged India’s support during both challenging and favorable periods in bilateral relations.
The Venezuelan side reportedly expressed its desire to deepen engagement with India and identified New Delhi as a preferred partner for future cooperation across multiple sectors.
Rodriguez is accompanied by a large ministerial delegation, including ministers responsible for foreign affairs, economy and finance, transportation, communication, and science and technology, underscoring the importance attached to the visit by Caracas.
Visit Aimed at Strengthening Strategic Ties
Rodriguez arrived in India on June 3 for a five-day visit focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation. This marks her sixth visit to India, having previously visited as Venezuela’s foreign minister and later as vice president. The visit is expected to further strengthen political, economic, and energy ties between the two countries.
Key Highlights
- PM Modi held talks with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez in New Delhi.
- Energy cooperation emerged as the primary focus of discussions.
- India and Venezuela explored partnerships in upstream and downstream oil sectors.
- Both countries discussed expanding cooperation in mining, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and automobiles.
- Venezuela views India as a long-term and preferred energy partner.
- Rodriguez is on a five-day visit to India from June 3 to June 7.
- Senior ministers from both nations participated in the discussions.
Related posts :
UKIBC urges swift rollout of India–UK FTA as UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle visits New Delhi
World’s largest container ship MSC IRINA to make historic debut at Vizhinjam Seaport
India–Mauritius partnership enters more dynamic and future-oriented stage
Ease of Living, Ease of Doing Business Top Priority, Says PM Modi in Aizawl
PM Modi: Navi Mumbai Airport Key to Boosting Regional Connectivity
India and Japan Strengthen Indo-Pacific Partnership
