PM Modi speaks with acting Venezuela President Delcy Rodríguez; agree to deepen bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a telephonic conversation with Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Friday, agreeing to further deepen bilateral ties between the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in a significant diplomatic outreach.

The leaders "agreed to further deepen and expand our bilateral partnership in all areas," signaling strengthened ties amid global energy and trade dynamics.

In an X post, PM Modi said, “Spoke with Acting President of Venezuela, Ms. Delcy Rodríguez. We agreed to further deepen and expand our bilateral partnership in all areas, with a shared vision of taking India-Venezuela relations to new heights in the years ahead”.

This comes as India diversifies oil imports from Venezuela, a key OPEC member, while navigating US sanctions on Caracas.

In the telephonic conversation, between both leaders aligns with India's energy diversification push. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves vital as India imports 85% of its crude. Beyond oil, areas for expansion include defence, pharma exports, and agriculture tech, countering China's inroads in Latin America while balancing US ties under the Trump regime.

After the ousting of Nicholas Maduro under US operation Absolute Resolve, Delcy Rodríguez, former Foreign Minister and key Maduro ally, stepped in as Acting President amid Venezuela's ongoing political crisis, making PM Modi's outreach a pragmatic signal of continuity.

Both leaders discussed a "shared vision" to elevate bilateral ties to new heights ahead marking a fresh start in India-Venezuela ties.

The non-aligned move balances Trump pressures, counters China-Russia influence in Latin America.