U.S President Donald Trump says India will buy oil from Venezuela not Iran signaling a potential shift in global energy flows and Washington’s efforts to influence where New Delhi sources its crude.
Speaking to reporters Trump said “We’ve already made that deal the concept of the deal,” emphasizing U.S. engagement in guiding India’s oil purchases while reinforcing energy ties with friendly nations.
The announcement comes amid efforts to reduce India’s reliance on Russian oil which the United States says helps fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine. U.S. officials have reportedly indicated that India may soon resume purchases of Venezuelan crude after a pause last year aligning New Delhi more closely with American preferences.
Trump also suggested that China could pursue a similar arrangement with Venezuelan oil though details on timing pricing or volumes remain unclear.
Analysts say this development underscores how energy trade is becoming deeply linked with geopolitics as countries balance economic needs global alliances and diplomatic pressures. If implemented the deal could significantly realign international crude flows affecting markets in Asia Europe and the Americas.
For now the world watches as Washington leverages energy deals to influence strategic partnerships with the future of India’s crude imports a key factor in the unfolding global energy landscape.
