Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez will visit India from June 3 to June 7 to discuss energy ties, a move that comes as New Delhi ramps up its crude imports from Caracas.
India was the second-largest importer of Venezuelan oil in May, with purchases of 427,000 barrels per day, second only to the U.S. Reliance Industries has emerged as one of the three largest buyers of Venezuelan crude in recent months.
During her visit, Rodriguez will hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and explore avenues for further cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy.
Her visit comes as India grapples with supply disruptions caused by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which has virtually shut the Strait of Hormuz – a key conduit that carried more than 40% of the South Asian nation's crude oil imports.
India had stopped buying Venezuelan oil last year, but resumed purchases in February following a flagship oil supply pact between Washington and Caracas.
