Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in New Delhi as the two countries sought to strengthen their long-standing partnership. The high-level meeting comes at a time when India has significantly increased crude oil imports from Venezuela, making energy cooperation a key pillar of bilateral relations.

During the discussions, both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Venezuela relations and explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in sectors including energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, and digital technology. Rodríguez's five-day visit to India is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers from several key sectors, underscoring the importance both nations place on expanding economic and strategic engagement.

The visit comes amid growing energy cooperation between the two countries. Venezuela has emerged as one of India's major crude oil suppliers, with Indian refiners increasing purchases in recent months. Officials from both sides are expected to discuss ways to strengthen energy security while also promoting investments and business partnerships. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar separately met Rodríguez and described her visit as an opportunity to further enhance bilateral cooperation.

The Modi-Rodríguez meeting highlights the growing importance of India-Venezuela relations, particularly in the energy sector. As both countries look to diversify economic partnerships and strengthen Global South cooperation, the visit is expected to give fresh momentum to bilateral ties across multiple strategic sectors.