India Keeps Energy Security Priority, Open to Venezuelan Oil Amid Trade Deal and Russian Oil Claims

India reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people, emphasizing a pragmatic, market-driven approach to crude oil sourcing. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted Venezuela as a long-standing energy partner, with imports paused due to sanctions but briefly resumed in 2023-24. India remains open to exploring crude oil supplies from Venezuela and other sources based on commercial viability, while addressing claims about halting Russian oil purchases amid evolving global energy dynamics and a recent India-US trade deal.