Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described Venezuela as a valued partner in Latin America and underscored the importance of closer cooperation for the Global South….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described Venezuela as a “valued partner” in Latin America and stressed that stronger cooperation between the two countries would be important for advancing the interests of the Global South.
The Prime Minister made the remarks after holding extensive talks with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez during her visit to New Delhi, where the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation across a range of sectors.
Following the meeting at Hyderabad House, Modi said discussions focused on expanding collaboration in energy, critical minerals, technology, agriculture, healthcare and people to people exchanges.
“Happy to meet with the Acting President of Venezuela, Ms Delcy Rodriguez. We had extensive discussions on expanding our cooperation in energy, critical minerals, technology, agriculture, health and people to people ties,” Modi said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the broader strategic significance of the relationship.
“As a valued partner in Latin America, our close cooperation with Venezuela holds immense importance for the Global South. We will continue to work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our nations,” he added.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and senior officials attended the talks, which formed part of Rodriguez’s working visit to India from June 3 to June 6.
Addressing a media briefing after the meeting, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Rudrendra Tandon, described the discussions as substantive and focused on practical areas of cooperation.
Energy emerged as a key area of engagement, with both sides examining ways to strengthen a long term partnership. Venezuela possesses some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, while India remains one of the fastest growing energy consumers globally. Officials said the two economies offer strong complementarities in the sector.
Tandon noted that Venezuela views India as a stable and reliable long term customer for its energy exports and sees New Delhi as a preferred partner in future cooperation. Discussions covered opportunities in both upstream and downstream energy activities, including production, refining and related investments.
According to Indian officials, the talks also explored ways to broaden economic engagement beyond energy. Areas identified for potential cooperation included mining, critical minerals, agriculture, animal husbandry, transportation, automotive manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.
Tandon said Venezuela’s leadership acknowledged India’s support over the years and expressed interest in expanding the partnership as the South American nation seeks to strengthen economic growth and attract investment.
The visit comes at a time when trade and energy ties between the two countries are gaining momentum. India has increased imports of Venezuelan crude in recent months, with Venezuela emerging as one of the country’s leading oil suppliers.
Officials on both sides said the discussions reflected a shared commitment to building a stronger and more diversified relationship, with cooperation extending beyond traditional sectors into technology, infrastructure and resource development.
The visit is expected to provide fresh impetus to India Venezuela relations as both countries seek to deepen economic engagement and enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest at regional and global forums.
