Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in New Delhi to review and strengthen bilateral relations, with discussions centered on energy cooperation, trade, and investment. The meeting comes at a time when India is diversifying its crude oil import sources amid supply disruptions linked to ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Rodriguez, who arrived in India on Wednesday, is leading a high-level delegation comprising ministers responsible for foreign affairs, economy and finance, science and technology, communication and information, and transportation. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is expected to further deepen ties between the two countries. India was once among the largest buyers of Venezuelan heavy crude, importing over 400,000 barrels per day at peak levels. Imports stopped in 2020 following US sanctions but resumed after restrictions were eased. Indian refiners are now increasing purchases as geopolitical developments continue to reshape global energy supply chains.