Energy, trade, investment emerge as key areas of discussion during meet between PM Modi, Venezuela Acting President Rodriguez
New Delhi, June 4
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez held wide-ranging discussions aimed at exploring new avenues of cooperation. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment towards advancing the interests of the Global South.
Sharing the details of the meeting in a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "PM @narendramodi held wide-ranging discussions with Acting President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela today. The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explored new avenues of cooperation in energy, trade, investment, healthcare, automobiles among others."
He informed that the leaders also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest.
India and Venezuela reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the bilateral partnership and advancing the interests of the Global South.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Rodriguez and reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening ties with the South American nation.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was "pleased to call on Acting President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela in New Delhi today" and expressed appreciation for her longstanding commitment to the India-Venezuela relationship.
"Deeply value her longstanding commitment to the India-Venezuela relationship," the minister said, adding that Rodriguez's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday arrived in the national capital for a five-day working visit aimed at further deepening the bilateral ties between India and Venezuela.
Welcoming the Venezuelan leader, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a post on X said that the visit would provide an opportunity for both countries to strengthen cooperation and build on the momentum in their bilateral partnership.
"A warm welcome to Acting President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela on her arrival in New Delhi. During her visit, Acting President Rodriguez will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit will further deepen India-Venezuela ties and build on the momentum in the bilateral partnership," the post read.
According to a release, the MEA said that the visit will be from June 3 to June 7.
Rodriguez was earlier scheduled to visit India to participate in the International Big Cat Alliance Summit on June 1, which was subsequently deferred.
She is now undertaking a formal working visit accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Venezuela's Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economy and Finance, Science and Technology, Communication and Information, and Transportation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's smart of India to engage with Venezuela at a time when the US is easing sanctions there. But let's not forget the humanitarian situation in Venezuela. I hope our government maintains a principled position - trade yes, but also encourage democratic reforms and human rights. Just my honest take. 🤔
Interesting how India keeps building ties with hydrocarbon-heavy nations. Smart diplomacy. The mention of healthcare and automobiles suggests this isn't just about oil. Also nice to see the Global South angle - shows India is serious about being a voice for developing nations. Curious to see what specific deals come out of this. 👍
Modiji is definitely playing the long game. Venezuela is energy-rich but cash-poor right now. India can get oil at good rates while providing infrastructure and pharma. But we should remember that Venezuelan oil is heavy crude - our refineries need upgrades. Hope our tech and auto sectors benefit equally. Bharat Mata ki Jai! 🇮🇳
I have mixed feelings. On one hand, energy security is critical for India. On the other hand, the Maduro regime's human rights record is concerning. India should engage but not at the cost of ignoring democratic values. Also, why is the Big Cat Alliance summit deferred? That was also supposed to be a big thing. Overall, cautiously optimistic.
Realpolitik at its finest! India needs reliable oil sources and Venezuela needs investment. Simple as that. Moreover, the Global South narrative is powerful - developing nations must support each other. The delegation includes ministers for science and tech too - hopefully some IT and digital infrastructure collaboration as well. 🤝
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.