Trump Says India Will Buy Oil From Venezuela
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that India will purchase crude oil from Venezuela instead of Iran, indicating a potential shift in India’s energy sourcing under U.S. policy preferences. Trump made the remarks while speaking about sanctions and oil trade arrangements involving Iran and Venezuela.
Iran Oil Imports Already Halted
India had been a major buyer of Iranian crude until 2019, when U.S. sanctions forced New Delhi to stop imports. Since then, India has not resumed Iranian oil purchases, relying instead on suppliers such as Russia, the Middle East, and the United States. Trump’s comments align with the existing reality that India no longer buys oil from Iran.
Venezuela Option Still Unclear
Trump suggested that Venezuelan oil could replace Iranian supplies for India. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Indian government or Indian oil companies on any fresh or firm purchase agreement with Venezuela. While Indian refiners have explored Venezuelan crude in the past, imports remain limited and dependent on sanctions, pricing, and logistics.
India continues to describe its oil procurement strategy as market-driven, based on availability and commercial viability rather than political direction.
