United States President Donald Trump on Sunday said that India will import Venezuelan oil instead of purchasing crude from Iran. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Florida, he stated, "We have already made a deal. India is coming in, and they are going to be buying Venezuelan oil as opposed to buying it from Iran. So, we have already made the concept of the deal".
India currently imports little crude from Iran due to longstanding US sanctions, though Tehran was previously among its top suppliers.
Trump's remarks followed signals from the United States that New Delhi may soon be allowed to resume purchases of Venezuelan crude.
US leaders are encouraging India to consider Venezuelan oil as a replacement for Russian imports, part of Washington's broader effort to limit funds flowing to Moscow amid its war in Ukraine.
In addition, Trump mentioned that China could also negotiate with the US to buy Venezuelan oil.
The US President has claimed a hands-on role in Venezuela, allowing the country's Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, to act as interim leader as long as Washington's demands -- especially granting access to Venezuelan oil -- are met.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, exploring ways to deepen bilateral ties in energy, trade, and investment. During their conversation, the two leaders agreed to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation in the years ahead, pushing IndiaVenezuela ties to "new heights".
The conversation marked PM Modi's first engagement with Rodriguez since the US carried out an overnight military operation on January 3 that led to the capture of autocratic President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Source: India Today