US to sell Venezuelan oil to India; reports say

• Condition : India must stop purchasing oil from Russia

• Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves

• India’s Reliance Group also keen on importing oil

Washington DC (USA) – Information has emerged that the United States may allow India to purchase oil from Venezuela. This was reported by the global news agency Reuters, citing a senior US government official. Around May 2025, after the US imposed sanctions on Venezuela, India had halted oil trade with the country. Now, although oil trade may resume, it will be subject to US conditions. It is being stated that “India should stop purchasing oil from Russia. If it does so, the additional 25 percent import duty imposed on India, including on Venezuelan oil, could also be removed.” Reports have also indicated that the Indian conglomerate Reliance is interested in engaging in this trade.

India is the world’s third-largest oil importer, while Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves

1. On January 9, Trump met senior executives of major global oil companies at the White House (the office and residence of the US President). On this occasion, Trump revealed plans to invest approximately ₹9 lakh crore in Venezuela’s oil sector.

2. Venezuela possesses the world’s largest oil reserves, yet it has been supplying only about 1 percent of global oil demand.

3. In 2019, the United States imposed stringent economic sanctions on Venezuela. It also laid down rules stating that countries purchasing oil from Venezuela could be barred from trading in US markets or denied banking facilities. At that time, India was importing 6 percent of its total oil requirements solely from Venezuela.

4. In the interim period, the United States had partially relaxed sanctions on Venezuela. However, in May 2025, it once again tightened sanctions on Venezuelan oil.

Editorial Perspective

This is a clear nonsensical thing—making a sacrifice or donation of something that does not belong to you. Who gave the United States the authority to assert control over Venezuela and sell its oil to other countries through intimidation ? And why should other countries buy such oil at all ? The fact that the US even imposes conditions while selling such oil to India clearly highlights the extent of its arrogance.