NEW DELHI: India and Venezuela have agreed to strengthen cooperation in energy, critical minerals, technology, agriculture, healthcare, and trade following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in New Delhi. Energy security emerged as the key focus of the discussions amid growing uncertainty in global oil markets.

Prime Minister Modi described Venezuela as an important partner in Latin America and reaffirmed India’s commitment to expanding cooperation for the benefit of the Global South. Officials highlighted the strong complementarity between Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and India’s rising energy demand.

The two sides discussed collaboration across the entire energy value chain, including exploration, production, refining, and investments. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced that an Indian technical team will soon visit Venezuela to explore new opportunities in the energy sector.

Beyond hydrocarbons, both countries explored partnerships in mining, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, transportation, renewable energy, and healthcare. Venezuela also expressed interest in India’s affordable medicines and public healthcare initiatives, including the Jan Aushadhi programme.

Although no major agreements were signed during the visit, officials said the talks laid the foundation for stronger economic and strategic ties. The renewed engagement is expected to boost bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in areas vital to energy security, economic growth, and the development goals of the Global South.