External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in New Delhi on Thursday, ahead of her scheduled talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting signals a renewed push to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in meeting Rodríguez, highlighting her longstanding commitment to the India-Venezuela relationship. In a statement, he said, 'Her meeting with PM Narendra Modi will further strengthen our cooperation,' underscoring New Delhi's intent to expand engagement with the energy-rich Latin American country.
Rodríguez arrived in India late Wednesday on a five-day working visit, leading a high-level delegation that includes ministers responsible for foreign affairs, economy and finance, science and technology, communication and information, and transportation. This visit marks one of the most significant high-level exchanges between the two countries in recent years.
Energy Cooperation at the Core
Energy remains the cornerstone of bilateral relations. Venezuela, possessing some of the world's largest proven oil reserves, has been a key partner for India's energy security. Indian public sector companies have maintained investments in Venezuela's hydrocarbon sector. The visit is expected to further solidify this cooperation as India seeks to diversify its energy partnerships amid evolving global dynamics.
Beyond energy, trade relations span various sectors. India's principal exports to Venezuela include refined petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, cotton, machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals, and apparel. Imports from Venezuela are dominated by crude oil and petroleum products, along with metals such as iron, steel, aluminium, copper, and zinc, as well as agricultural produce, chemicals, and wood products.
Exploring New Avenues
During her visit, Rodríguez is also expected to tour facilities linked to India's energy, pharmaceutical, and automobile sectors to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation and investment. Officials stated that the visit aims to impart fresh momentum to bilateral ties and open new avenues across strategic sectors, including energy, trade, healthcare, technology, transportation, and renewable energy.
India and Venezuela share traditionally warm and friendly ties, anchored in energy cooperation, growing trade relations, and a common commitment to advancing the interests of the Global South. This high-level engagement underscores the importance both nations place on deepening their partnership in a rapidly changing global landscape.
