Delcy Rodríguez arrived in India to try to strengthen relations / Photo: Presidential Press
The Venezuelan executive vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, met this Friday with the Indian vice president, Jagdeep Dhankhar, during an official visit that seeks to consolidate deals between New Delhi and Caracas.
“Discussions between the leaders focused on strengthening economic cooperation, improving people-to-people ties, promoting yoga and Ayurveda, and strengthening bilateral relations,” the office of the Indian vice president reported in a message. in X.
The spokesperson for the Indian Foreign Ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, reported earlier that the visit of the Venezuelan vice president would provide “an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral ties between India and Venezuela.”
Neither India nor Venezuela have reported other meetings or official events with officials of the Government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Visit
This is the second visit that Rodríguez has made to New Delhi in just over a year, preceded by a trip at the invitation of the Indian Ministry of Commerce in mid-2023.
The vice president arrived in India last night from the Russian city of Kazan, where the BRICS Summit was held, to which the Oil Minister also attended as part of President Nicolás Maduro’s delegation, as a guest.
The Venezuelan vice president already expressed last year in India her country’s interest in being part of the BRICS group, in which she sees a new power away from the pressure of the United States, and the sanctions that block the Venezuelan economy.
Debates
Debates about the purchase of Venezuelan oil have also been on the table in the talks between both countries.
Venezuela, once India’s third largest oil supplier, saw trade deals with New Delhi plummet following international sanctions on its oil industry and the contraction of its economy.
Although Venezuela also supplied large quantities of crude oil to China and Russia, India was the main source of foreign currency because it paid in cash for shipments from the state oil company PDVSA.
Kazan / EFE
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Lopez, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lopez. Delcy Rodríguez’s recent visit to India has garnered significant attention. What are the main objectives of her trip?
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me. Rodríguez’s visit is focused on strengthening the ties between Venezuela and India, particularly in terms of economic cooperation. Given the current geopolitical climate, both nations see an opportunity to bolster their relationship and foster new partnerships that can be mutually beneficial.
**Editor:** The discussions reportedly included improving people-to-people ties and promoting yoga and Ayurveda. How significant are these cultural aspects in diplomatic relations?
**Dr. Lopez:** Cultural diplomacy is crucial. By promoting yoga and Ayurveda, both countries aim to create a bond that extends beyond political and economic ties. It’s a way to foster goodwill and understand each other’s cultures better, which can lead to more sustainable and lasting partnerships.
**Editor:** Strengthening bilateral relations often comes with challenges. What obstacles might Rodríguez face in advancing these discussions?
**Dr. Lopez:** One significant challenge is the current international perception of Venezuela, particularly regarding its economic situation and governance. Additionally, both nations may have differing priorities, which could complicate negotiations. Finding common ground will be essential.
**Editor:** Lastly, what could be the long-term implications of this visit for Venezuela and India?
**Dr. Lopez:** If successful, this visit could pave the way for more robust trade agreements and investment opportunities. For India, it allows greater influence in South America, while Venezuela could benefit from increased economic support and diversification of its partners. This relationship could help Venezuela navigate its economic challenges more effectively.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how this relationship develops in the coming months.
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lopez. Delcy Rodríguez’s recent visit to India has garnered significant attention. What are the main objectives of her trip?
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me. Rodríguez’s visit is focused on strengthening the ties between Venezuela and India, particularly in terms of economic cooperation. Given the current geopolitical climate, both nations see an opportunity to bolster their relationship and foster new partnerships that can be mutually beneficial.
**Editor:** Economic cooperation is a key focus. What specific areas are expected to be discussed during her meetings?
**Dr. Lopez:** The discussions are likely to center around enhancing trade agreements and collaborations in the energy sector, especially with regards to oil. Additionally, they are exploring people-to-people ties, which include cultural exchanges like promoting yoga and Ayurveda, as these can help build stronger connections between the two nations.
**Editor:** It’s noteworthy that this is Rodríguez’s second visit to India in just over a year. How significant is this recurring engagement?
**Dr. Lopez:** Absolutely, this recurring engagement signifies a commitment from both sides to not only maintain but also expand their relationship. For Venezuela, given the economic pressures from sanctions, India represents an important ally. The interest in joining the BRICS group also indicates Venezuela’s desire to pivot toward more favorable international partnerships.
**Editor:** What impact do sanctions have on Venezuela’s oil trade with India, and how might this visit change that?
**Dr. Lopez:** Sanctions have severely impacted Venezuela’s oil exports, causing a sharp decline in trade with India, which was once a major market. This visit may pave the way for renewed discussions on oil purchases, with the goal of revitalizing those trade ties. If India can re-establish its position as a key buyer, it could provide Venezuela with vital foreign currency and support its economy.
**Editor:** Lastly, do you think the outcome of her discussions will have broader implications for international relations beyond Venezuela and India?
**Dr. Lopez:** Yes, the outcomes could indeed have wider implications. Strengthened ties between India and Venezuela might lead to a shift in global alliances, particularly as both nations seek to assert their independence from the influence of the United States. This could encourage other countries facing similar pressures to explore alternative partnerships, potentially reshaping international relations in the process.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for your insights on this important diplomatic visit.
**Dr. Lopez:** My pleasure! Thank you for having me.
