On June 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Delcy Rodriguez, the acting President of Venezuela, in New Delhi to discuss enhancing energy cooperation. Rodriguez's visit, which began on June 3, is part of efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations, particularly in the energy sector, as India seeks to diversify its crude oil procurement amid ongoing supply disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis. Rodriguez took office as acting president after the detention of Nicolas Maduro by US forces in January. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met with Rodriguez, expressing appreciation for her commitment to the India-Venezuela relationship. Historically, India was a major importer of Venezuelan heavy crude, sourcing over 400,000 barrels per day at its peak. However, imports declined due to US sanctions imposed in 2020. Recently, Indian oil companies have increased their crude oil sourcing from Venezuela, capitalizing on the easing of sanctions. The two countries have a longstanding partnership in the energy sector, exemplified by ONGC Videsh Limited's joint venture with Corporacion Venezolana del Petroleo for oil exploration in Venezuela's San Cristobal field, where OVL holds a 40% stake.