Jaishankar Meets Delcy Rodríguez in New Delhi, Discusses India–Venezuela Cooperation

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday held a meeting with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in the national capital, marking a key diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between India and the South American nation amid expanding cooperation in energy and trade.

During the meeting, Jaishankar reiterated India’s appreciation for Rodríguez’s continued commitment to deepening India–Venezuela ties. In a post on social media platform X, he said he was “pleased to call on Acting President Delcy Rodríguez of Venezuela in New Delhi,” adding that her ongoing visit and upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would further enhance bilateral cooperation. The interaction comes as part of Rodríguez’s five-day official visit to India.

Rodríguez is in India for a series of high-level engagements scheduled from June 3 to June 7, during which she is expected to hold comprehensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to official statements from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the talks are focused on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy security, trade and investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy.

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The Venezuelan leader’s visit is being seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen energy partnerships between the two countries. India, which is actively diversifying its crude oil import sources, has shown renewed interest in Venezuelan oil supplies following recent easing of sanctions-related constraints. Officials have indicated that Indian public sector undertakings have already made investments in Venezuela’s energy sector, with scope for further expansion.

Ahead of the meeting with Jaishankar, Rodríguez is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for formal bilateral talks. She is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers handling foreign affairs, economy, finance, science and technology, and transportation, who are expected to explore sectoral collaboration and investment opportunities.

The visit is expected to further reinforce traditionally warm relations between India and Venezuela, with both sides aiming to build on existing cooperation in energy, trade, and development partnerships while identifying new areas of strategic and economic engagement.

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