Trump Says India to Buy Venezuelan Oil Instead of Iranian Crude in Major Energy Pivot
In a significant geopolitical development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that India will begin buying oil from Venezuela “as opposed to buying it from Iran,” marking a potential shift in global energy trade patterns and diplomatic alliances. Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Washington to Florida, stating that “we’ve already made that deal, the concept of the deal.”
The comments come amid growing U.S. efforts to diversify India’s oil sources and reduce New Delhi’s reliance on Russian crude, which dominated Indian imports after Western sanctions were imposed on Moscow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, Washington has recently indicated that India may soon be permitted to resume Venezuelan oil purchases after years of limited engagement due to U.S. sanctions.
Trump also signaled that China is “welcome to come in and make a great deal” on Venezuelan oil, suggesting a broader strategy to reshape crude supply relationships with key Asian economies.
While India historically imported significant volumes of Iranian oil before sanctions tightened in 2019, recent years have seen minimal purchases from Tehran. In this context, Trump’s assertion appears aimed at reinforcing U.S. influence over India’s energy decisions and aligning New Delhi’s purchases with broader Western strategic goals.
The announcement arrives alongside other energy and trade tensions between the United States and India, including the previous imposition of tariffs related to oil imports. Trump’s administration doubled duties on Indian goods in 2025 to pressure New Delhi to reduce Russian crude purchases, although recent U.S. signals hinted at possible tariff relief as Indian imports decline.
There has been no official confirmation from the Indian government regarding a finalized oil purchase agreement with Venezuela. Analysts caution that logistical, refinery compatibility, and contractual challenges remain before any large-scale shift in crude sourcing can occur.
As global markets react to Trump’s statement, energy analysts will be watching closely to see whether this shift — if it materializes — reshapes long-term crude trade flows and diplomatic ties across Washington, New Delhi, Caracas, and Beijing.
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