Trump Claims India Will Shift Oil Imports
US President Donald Trump has claimed that India will buy crude oil from Venezuela instead of Iran, a statement that has drawn sharp attention in global energy and diplomatic circles. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while travelling from Washington DC to Florida, Trump said a deal was already in place “in concept”. He added that India’s move would reduce its reliance on Iranian oil, which remains heavily restricted by US sanctions. India has not imported significant volumes of Iranian crude for years, although Tehran was once among New Delhi’s top energy suppliers before sanctions took effect.
Sanctions, Venezuela and US Strategy
Trump linked the proposed shift to Washington’s broader oil and sanctions strategy. He said the United States now holds influence over Venezuela’s oil sector and claimed that Caracas would supply energy to friendly nations under US oversight. Trump also suggested that China could join similar arrangements. His remarks come amid dramatic developments in Venezuela, where the US recently launched a military operation in Caracas and detained President Nicolás Maduro. Since then, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the role of acting president, with oil access emerging as a key focus of US policy.
India-Venezuela Ties Gain Momentum
Amid Trump’s comments, India and Venezuela have signalled renewed engagement. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. The conversation focused on energy, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. According to India’s external affairs ministry, both leaders agreed to deepen the partnership across sectors including oil, digital technology, health, agriculture, and infrastructure. This marked the first leadership-level contact between India and Venezuela since the US action in Caracas earlier this month.
Oil Politics and India’s Balancing Act
Trump has repeatedly criticised India’s oil imports, especially purchases from Russia, and previously imposed tariffs on Indian goods linked to energy trade. New Delhi has rejected those measures as unjustified. Analysts say India continues to balance energy security with geopolitical pressures by diversifying suppliers and prioritising affordability. While Trump’s claim highlights Venezuela as a potential source, Indian officials have not confirmed any such oil agreement. As global energy markets remain volatile, India’s oil strategy will likely stay driven by economic needs rather than political declarations alone.
