US, Reliance Discuss More Venezuelan Oil Refining
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that Washington is holding discussions with Reliance Industries to increase the refining of Venezuelan crude oil in India. Speaking in Mumbai on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Rubio described India as a major global refining power and acknowledged New Delhi’s efforts to diversify energy imports amid uncertainty in international oil markets.
US Seeks Reliance Partnership for Venezuelan Oil
Rubio said Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, possesses the infrastructure and technical expertise required to process Venezuela’s heavy crude oil.
He noted that Reliance had previously operated in Venezuela and maintained oil-related concessions in the country.
The discussions could involve processing additional Venezuelan crude as production increases, alongside potential opportunities for Reliance to resume oil production activities in Venezuela.
However, no final agreement or additional refining commitment has been announced.
Marco Rubio to Visit Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery
Rubio is scheduled to visit Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat on Wednesday, October 21, as part of his official India visit.
The Jamnagar complex is among the world’s largest oil-refining facilities and has the capacity to process different varieties of crude oil, including heavier grades from Venezuela.
Rubio is also expected to meet Mukesh Ambani during his visit to Gujarat.
The US official has held discussions with Indian government representatives and business leaders on strengthening economic and energy cooperation.
India-US Energy Talks Focus on Oil Diversification
Rubio acknowledged that India has been seeking to diversify its energy supplies rather than depend excessively on any single country.
He recognised that replacing existing oil suppliers would require time and infrastructure adjustments.
Washington has identified Venezuela and the United States as potential sources of additional energy supplies for India.
The discussions come as India and the United States work towards finalising a bilateral trade agreement, with energy security emerging as an important component of their economic relationship.
