India rolled out the red carpet on Thursday for Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks aimed at bolstering trade between the oil-rich South American nation and the energy-hungry Asian giant.
High-Level Talks in New Delhi
Rodriguez, who has led Venezuela since January after US forces captured former socialist President Nicolas Maduro, shook hands with Modi outside New Delhi's Hyderabad House before the discussions began. Venezuela holds about 17 percent of the world's crude reserves.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that the talks with Modi would “further strengthen our cooperation.” The visit comes as India, the world's third-largest oil importer, increases purchases of Venezuelan crude to offset supply disruptions linked to conflicts in the Middle East.
Rodriguez's Expectations
Speaking after her arrival on Wednesday, Rodriguez expressed optimism about the discussions. “We are going to have a very productive agenda, and I hope to discuss areas of cooperation that can help address the most pressing needs of the Venezuelan people,” she said on Venezuelan television. She described the upcoming talks as “very fruitful.”
The meeting underscores India's strategic efforts to secure energy supplies and strengthen ties with Venezuela, a key player in the global oil market.
