Hardeep Singh Puri Holds Talks With Venezuelan Acting President

During the discussions, Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted the long-standing friendship between India and Venezuela, describing the relationship as a natural partnership built on trust and cooperation.

India and Venezuela have taken another step towards strengthening their energy relationship, with both countries expressing interest in expanding cooperation across the oil and gas sector. The discussions took place in New Delhi on June 4 during a meeting between Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez. Senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and leaders of several public sector oil companies were also present.

The meeting focused on identifying opportunities that could help build a long-term and mutually beneficial energy partnership between the two nations. Venezuela, home to some of the world's largest proven oil reserves, has emerged as an increasingly important part of India's strategy to diversify its energy supplies.

Indian Companies Ready to Expand Presence

During the discussions, Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted the long-standing friendship between India and Venezuela, describing the relationship as a natural partnership built on trust and cooperation. He reiterated India's support for Venezuela's efforts to revive and expand its energy sector.

The minister said Indian companies are prepared to deepen their engagement in Venezuela and explore new investment opportunities. Existing investments by Indian firms have already created a foundation for greater collaboration, and both sides are now looking at ways to broaden that engagement.

India's growing energy demand has made diversification a key priority, prompting the country to strengthen ties with a wider range of crude oil suppliers. Venezuela's resource base and ongoing reforms in its energy sector are seen as opening fresh possibilities for cooperation.

Venezuela Invites Greater Indian Participation

Acting President Rodríguez described India as a dependable and trusted partner and encouraged Indian companies to take advantage of opportunities emerging from reforms in Venezuela's oil and gas industry.

She pointed to the strong complementarities between the two economies, particularly in the energy sector, where Venezuela's vast resources and India's large and expanding market create a natural fit. She also invited an Indian delegation to visit Venezuela to examine potential projects and identify areas where cooperation can be expanded further.

The talks come at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen economic engagement and build more resilient energy partnerships. Officials on both sides believe closer collaboration could support energy security, boost trade and create new opportunities for businesses in the years ahead.