![\"\u2018Perfect](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131507129,imgsize-1045075,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/untitled-design-2026-06-04t175006.jpg\" "\\"File")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nIndia and Venezuela are looking to expand cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, as New Delhi moves to diversify crude oil imports amid supply disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis.Addressing a special media briefing after Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u2019s talks with Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez, MEA secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon said discussions focused on building broader economic ties across multiple sectors, including animal husbandry, transport, agriculture, automotive equipment and pharmaceuticals.<\/p>\n Tandon said Venezuela has emerged as India\u2019s third-largest crude oil supplier this month, highlighting the growing importance of energy cooperation between the two countries.\u201cVenezuela has already emerged as the third largest supplier, this month, so naturally today\u2019s discussions focused on forging an energy partnership,\u201d he said, adding that both sides see \u201ca perfect complementarity\u201d in the energy sector.He noted that Venezuela holds one of the world\u2019s largest oil reserves, while India remains a major and steadily growing consumer of crude oil, creating what he called a \u201cstrong natural complementarity\u201d between the two economies.<\/p>\n According to the MEA official, talks are aimed at developing a structured energy partnership covering both upstream and downstream sectors, though he said detailed deliberations remain confidential.\u201cAgainst this backdrop, discussions have focused on building a structured energy partnership,\u201d Tandon said, adding that Venezuela is undergoing a \u201csignificant transformation\u201d in its energy sector.He also said Venezuela views India as a \u201cstable demander for many years to come\u201d and a \u201cpreferred partner going into the future,\u201d reflecting growing bilateral confidence.<\/p>\n Beyond energy, both sides explored opportunities for Indian investment in mining, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agriculture and related industries, as per news agency ANI.Tandon said Venezuela believes India has stood by it \u201cin bad times as well as in good times,\u201d adding that the talks were \u201cvery business-like, very substantive\u201d with clear interest in expanding commercial engagement.<\/p>\n Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez is on a working visit to India from June 3 to June 6, accompanied by a high-level delegation including ministers from foreign affairs, finance, science and technology, communication and transport.During the visit, she held talks with PM Modi, external affairs minister S Jaishankar and petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri and is also expected to visit key facilities in energy, pharmaceuticals and automobiles to explore collaboration opportunities.India has also indicated that public sector units have already made significant investments in Venezuela\u2019s energy sector and are looking to expand their footprint further.<\/div>\nVenezuela becomes key crude supplier<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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Wider economic cooperation on the table<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
High-level engagements during visit<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n