Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez will visit India from June 3-7 to discuss energy, trade, and investment. India, seeking to diversify oil supplies amid Middle East disruptions, became Venezuela's second-largest crude importer in May.
The visit highlights India's efforts to secure energy supplies amidst global geopolitical tensions and its willingness to engage with oil-producing nations like Venezuela, despite past sanctions.
Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez is scheduled to visit India from June 3 to June 7 for discussions on bilateral relations, including energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy. This visit comes as India has significantly increased its crude oil imports from Venezuela, becoming the second-largest importer in May, with Reliance Industries being a key buyer. Rodriguez, who previously served as Venezuela's oil minister, last visited India in February 2025. The resumption of Venezuelan oil purchases by India follows the easing of U.S. sanctions, which were previously imposed after a discretionary tariff on countries importing crude from Venezuela. The U.S. now controls proceeds from these sales through Treasury Department-administered accounts. The visit also occurs at a time when India is seeking to secure energy supplies amidst disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict involving Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Rodriguez's visit and pushed for increased US and Venezuelan oil sales to India. India imports about 85% of its crude and is diversifying sources due to Middle East supply disruptions. Rodriguez's visit also coincides with the first International Big Cat Alliance Summit.