India Rolls Out Warm Welcome for Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez Amid Oil Push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez in New Delhi for high-level talks aimed at expanding cooperation between the two countries, with energy security expected to dominate the agenda.

Rodriguez was accorded a ceremonial reception at Hyderabad House before holding bilateral discussions with Modi. The visit comes as India seeks to strengthen ties with major oil-producing nations amid growing uncertainty in global energy markets and supply chains.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the Venezuelan leader’s meetings with Indian officials would help advance bilateral cooperation and open new avenues for collaboration. Discussions are expected to cover a range of sectors, including energy, trade, investment, healthcare and infrastructure.

The trip is particularly significant as India has increased imports of Venezuelan crude in recent months. As the world’s third-largest consumer of oil, India has been exploring diversified sources of energy to meet its growing demand and reduce vulnerabilities arising from geopolitical disruptions.

Speaking shortly after arriving in India, Rodriguez expressed optimism about the outcomes of the visit, describing the agenda as comprehensive and focused on strengthening partnerships that could benefit both countries. She said the discussions would explore opportunities for deeper cooperation and address areas of mutual interest.

The visit marks another step in the steady expansion of India-Venezuela relations, which have traditionally been anchored in the energy sector. With both sides looking to boost economic engagement, officials are expected to review existing partnerships and identify new opportunities for collaboration in the years ahead.

Rodriguez’s visit is also being closely watched for its potential impact on oil trade between the two nations, at a time when energy security remains a key priority for governments around the world.