India Venezuela Oil Deal Claim: Trump Says India Will Buy Venezuelan Oil Instead of Iran

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Trump said India has made a “concept of a deal” to purchase Venezuelan oil.
New Delhi has not issued an official response so far.
The claim comes amid evolving India-Venezuela ties after PM Modi’s call with acting President Delcy Rodriguez.

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Saturday made a major statement regarding energy trade, asserting that India has struck an understanding to purchase crude oil from Venezuela rather than sourcing it from Iran.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “We’ve already made that deal, the concept of the deal,” referring to India’s shift toward Venezuelan oil supplies.

No Immediate Reaction From India

There was no official confirmation or response from New Delhi following Trump’s remarks, leaving uncertainty around the status and scope of the alleged oil arrangement.

India has not imported Iranian crude in significant volumes since 2019 due to US sanctions, while its purchases from Russia surged after the Ukraine conflict.

Background: Trump’s Earlier Tariffs on Venezuelan Oil Buyers

Trump had previously imposed a 25% tariff in March 2025 on countries purchasing Venezuelan oil, including India, as part of US pressure tactics.

He has also criticised India for buying Russian oil, arguing that such imports indirectly fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Venezuela Oil Shipments to US Rise Sharply

Reports suggest Venezuelan crude shipments to the United States have increased significantly, with deliveries expected to reach about 275,000 barrels per day — more than double December levels.

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Meanwhile, exports to China reportedly dropped to zero in January, indicating shifting global demand dynamics.

Modi and Venezuela’s Acting President Agree to Expand Partnership

Trump’s comments come just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez.

Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation across sectors including:

Trade and investment
Energy collaboration
Digital technology
Health and agriculture
People-to-people ties

The leaders also underscored the importance of cooperation for the Global South.

What Happens Next?

While Trump’s statement has drawn attention, analysts note that any major shift in India’s crude sourcing would depend on official agreements, geopolitical developments, and sanctions frameworks.

For now, the “India Venezuela oil deal claim” remains unconfirmed by Indian authorities, and further clarity is expected in coming days.