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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in an important diplomatic engagement.

The leaders “agreed to further deepen and expand our bilateral partnership in all areas,” signaling strengthening ties across global energy and trade dynamics.

Prime Minister Modi said in an

He spoke with the Vice President of Venezuela, Ms. Delcy Rodríguez. We agreed to further deepen and expand our bilateral partnership in all areas, with the common vision of taking India-Venezuela relations to new heights in the coming years. @delcyrodriguezv—Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 30, 2026

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

The phone call between both leaders coincides with India’s energy diversification effort. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, which is vital as India imports 85% of its crude oil. Beyond oil, areas of expansion include defense, pharmaceutical exports and agricultural technology, balancing U.S. ties under the Trump regime while countering China’s advances in Latin America.

Following the ouster of Nicholas Maduro as part of the US operation Absolute Resolve, former Secretary of State and key Maduro ally Delcy Rodríguez stepped in as Acting President amid the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela, making Prime Minister Modi’s assistance a pragmatic signal of continuity.

Both leaders discussed a “shared vision” to mark a new beginning in India-Venezuela relations, elevating bilateral ties to new heights.

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