US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would discuss increasing Venezuelan crude oil supplies with Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) for processing at its Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat. The discussions form part of broader India-US engagement on energy security, trade, investment and strategic cooperation during Rubio’s visit to India.
US Explores Venezuelan Crude Supplies for Reliance
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would discuss refining more Venezuelan crude oil with Reliance Industries Ltd at the company’s Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat. The proposal emerged during Rubio’s visit to India, as both countries explore opportunities to strengthen energy cooperation and respond to changing global oil supply requirements.
Reliance’s Jamnagar refining complex can process a wide range of crude grades, including heavy crude oils that require specialised refining capabilities. Processing more Venezuelan crude could provide another source of feedstock for the refinery. However, the discussions do not confirm a new purchase agreement or specific import volumes.
Energy Cooperation Features in India-US Talks
During his visit, Rubio met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai. Their agenda covered trade negotiations, energy cooperation, technology partnerships, critical minerals and policy issues involving Russian and Venezuelan crude imports.
Rubio also engaged with Indian business leaders, highlighting the commercial dimension of India-US relations. Energy trade remains an important area of bilateral engagement as both countries explore opportunities to strengthen economic ties and address evolving supply requirements.
India-US Trade Agreement Remains on the Agenda
The proposed discussions on Venezuelan crude coincide with efforts to conclude a comprehensive India-US trade agreement. Rubio has described the negotiations as being close to completion, with a limited number of issues remaining.
Separately, the administration of US President Donald Trump has announced a waiver relating to potential penalties linked to Russian oil purchases. Rubio has also defended India’s gradual diversification of its energy portfolio, noting that changing major sources of supply takes time.
The proposed discussions with Reliance underline the growing role of energy trade in India-US relations. Any increase in Venezuelan crude processing will depend on commercial terms, supply arrangements and applicable policy requirements. The outcome could also shape how refining capacity and energy security feature in the wider bilateral trade and investment relationship.
