US President Trump Says India to Import Venezuelan Oil; China Also Welcomed

Trump Says India to Buy Venezuelan Oil Instead of Iran, Signals Shift in Global Energy Flows

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that India will purchase oil from Venezuela rather than Iran, indicating a potential realignment in global energy trade amid U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on Russian crude.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “We’ve already made that deal, the concept of the deal. India is coming in, and they’re going to be buying Venezuelan oil, as opposed to buying it from Iran.” He added that China is welcome to negotiate a similar arrangement.

Trump’s comments follow Washington’s recent signals that India could resume Venezuelan oil purchases, which the U.S. hopes will replace declining imports of Russian crude. Last year, Trump had imposed 25% tariffs on countries importing Venezuelan oil, including India, as part of sanctions targeting Venezuela’s government. Those restrictions are now being eased to encourage alternative energy flows.

The announcement comes as Laura F. Dogu, the new U.S. envoy to Venezuela, arrived in Caracas to reopen diplomatic ties after nearly seven years, a step seen as supporting broader U.S. efforts to restore relations and normalize Venezuelan oil exports.

While Trump emphasized the “deal,” officials in New Delhi have not publicly confirmed any formal agreement, and analysts note that India’s crude sourcing decisions remain largely driven by market economics, refinery requirements, and strategic considerations.