Key facts
- Venezuela is seeking Indian participation in its oil sector.
- Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez met with Indian Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
- Indian refineries are equipped to process Venezuelan crude oil.
- Indian refiners resumed imports in February after US sanctions were eased.
- Venezuela became one of India's top oil suppliers in April and May.
- Venezuelan oil sector was reformed in January, removing state monopolies.
Venezuela is actively seeking increased participation from Indian energy companies in its oil and gas sector, aiming to secure reliable markets for its crude and attract foreign investment for industry reconstruction. This initiative follows the easing of US sanctions, which had previously restricted trade. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez conveyed this invitation to Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri during a visit to New Delhi, highlighting the complementary energy interests between the two nations. Indian refineries are well-suited to process Venezuela's heavy crude, and imports resumed in February after the US sanctions were relaxed. Venezuela has since emerged as a significant oil supplier to India. Indian public sector oil majors have maintained investments in Venezuela's upstream sector since 2008. The Venezuelan oil industry has undergone reforms, including the removal of state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela SA's production and pricing monopolies in January, paving the way for private sector involvement.