Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a conversation with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, reaffirming India’s intention to deepen and expand cooperation across multiple sectors. The discussion marks a significant diplomatic engagement nearly a month after former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was removed from power and taken into United States custody following a high-profile military operation.
In a message shared on social media, Modi said both sides agreed to strengthen their bilateral partnership with a long-term vision for closer engagement. He noted that India and Venezuela aim to elevate their relationship across all areas of mutual interest in the coming years, reflecting New Delhi’s continued outreach to Latin America despite shifting geopolitical conditions.
Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president on January 5 after Venezuela underwent a turbulent political transition. The change followed Maduro’s capture and subsequent transfer to the United States, where he is expected to face trial on charges related to narcotics trafficking and terrorism. The development marked a dramatic turning point in Venezuelan politics after years of international isolation and economic strain.
A trained labour lawyer with longstanding ties to Venezuela’s ruling establishment, Rodríguez has previously held senior government positions and is regarded as a key figure within the country’s political leadership. Her swearing-in ceremony was administered by her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, who currently serves as head of the National Assembly depict ion of institutional continuity during a period of political uncertainty.
The timing of the Modi–Rodríguez exchange is notable given ongoing global energy negotiations involving Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. The United States has signaled interest in reopening limited Venezuelan crude exports under a tightly controlled framework, potentially allowing select countries, including India, to resume purchases that were previously halted due to sanctions. Washington has also warned of trade penalties for nations that fail to align with its energy policies, adding complexity to India’s crude sourcing strategy.
India has faced higher tariffs from the United States over its continued procurement of Russian oil, and discussions surrounding Venezuelan crude have gained renewed attention as policymakers explore alternative supply options. US officials have indicated that tens of millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil currently in storage could be released under a regulated system, with revenues routed through monitored accounts.
The US administration has also outlined plans to attract large-scale investment into Venezuela’s energy sector, aiming to revive production capacity that has declined sharply over the past decade due to sanctions, underinvestment, and operational challenges. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, making its re-entry into global markets a matter of strategic importance.
Against this backdrop, India’s engagement with Venezuela signals a cautious but forward-looking approach, balancing diplomatic relations, energy security, and broader foreign policy objectives. The conversation between Modi and Rodríguez underscores New Delhi’s interest in maintaining dialogue with emerging leaderships while navigating an increasingly complex international energy landscape.
