PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Venezuela Acting President Rodriguez
Synopsis
Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez landed in New Delhi for a five-day visit and walked into Hyderabad House for direct talks with PM Modi. With Indian PSUs already invested in Venezuelan oil and Caracas seeking new diplomatic anchors after upheaval at home, this visit is less protocol and more positioning — energy, pharma, and Global South alignment all on the table.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez at Hyderabad House on 4 June .
Discussions covered energy security, trade, pharmaceuticals, health care, transportation, and renewable energy.
Jaishankar called on Rodriguez earlier the same day and posted his remarks on X.
The Venezuelan delegation will tour Indian energy, pharma, and auto sites during the five-day visit.
Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president on 5 January , reportedly after US action against President Nicolas Maduro .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held bilateral talks with Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, with both sides set to review the full spectrum of India–Venezuela ties and chart a roadmap for deeper engagement. The meeting, part of Rodriguez's five-day visit that began on 4 June, is expected to anchor cooperation across energy security, trade and investment, pharmaceuticals, health care, transportation, and renewable energy.
Key Developments
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called on Rodriguez and acknowledged her sustained commitment to strengthening the India–Venezuela partnership. Jaishankar expressed hope that her meeting with Modi would scale up bilateral cooperation across strategic sectors.
In a post on X, the EAM said, ‘Pleased to call on Acting President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela in New Delhi today. Deeply value her longstanding commitment to the India-Venezuela relationship. Her meeting with PM Narendra Modi will further strengthen our cooperation.'
Energy at the Core
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Venezuelan delegation accompanying Rodriguez will visit multiple sites linked to energy, pharmaceuticals, and the auto sector to study India's technological and industrial capabilities and identify avenues for collaboration.
‘India has been an important partner of Venezuela in the areas of energy and investment. Indian PSUs have made significant investments in Venezuela in the energy sector, and they are keen to explore opportunities for further enhancing their presence,' the MEA stated. Indian state-run oil firms have historically held stakes in Venezuela's hydrocarbon assets, making the visit commercially significant.
Strategic Context
India and Venezuela share warm ties anchored in energy cooperation, trade, and a shared advocacy for the Global South. The MEA noted the visit will ‘further deepen India–Venezuela ties and build on the momentum in the bilateral partnership.'
Notably, Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president on 5 January, reportedly after the United States moved against the South American nation and detained President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, according to statements from Caracas. The political backdrop lends additional weight to the New Delhi visit, as Venezuela seeks to broaden its diplomatic and economic footprint beyond traditional partners.
What's Next
Outcomes from the Hyderabad House talks are expected to translate into sector-specific engagement frameworks, particularly in oil and gas, where Indian PSUs are exploring expanded participation. The delegation's industrial site visits over the coming days will likely shape follow-up MoUs.
Point of View
But the subtext is loud. India's PSUs have long-standing exposure to Venezuelan crude, and Caracas — politically isolated and reportedly reeling from US action against Maduro — needs partners that can keep its energy economy functioning. For New Delhi, the calculus is pragmatic: secure hydrocarbon access, expand pharma exports, and reinforce Global South credentials without alienating Western partners. The diplomatic tightrope is real, and the absence of fanfare is itself a signal.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez visit India?
Rodriguez arrived in New Delhi on 4 June for a five-day visit aimed at deepening India–Venezuela ties across energy, trade, pharmaceuticals, health care, transportation, and renewable energy. The visit included bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House.
What did PM Modi and Delcy Rodriguez discuss at Hyderabad House?
The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India–Venezuela relations and explored expanded cooperation in energy security, trade and investment, pharmaceuticals, health care, transportation, and renewable energy. Energy is expected to remain the centrepiece given existing Indian PSU stakes in Venezuelan assets.
How is Delcy Rodriguez serving as Acting President of Venezuela?
Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president on 5 January, reportedly after the United States acted against the South American nation and detained President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. She has since represented Venezuela in key external engagements.
What role do Indian PSUs play in Venezuela's energy sector?
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian public sector undertakings have made significant investments in Venezuela's energy sector and are looking to expand their presence. The current visit is expected to advance discussions on new collaboration opportunities.
Which sectors will the Venezuelan delegation explore during the visit?
The delegation will visit sites linked to energy, pharmaceuticals, and the auto sector to study India's technological and industrial capabilities. The MEA said the visits are aimed at identifying concrete avenues for bilateral collaboration.
