In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday received a call from Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez, the Acting President of Venezuela. The leaders delved into ways to fortify the partnership between India and Venezuela across multiple sectors.
Post-conversation, PM Modi shared his thoughts on Facebook, stating, ‘Spoke with Acting President of Venezuela Delcy Eloína Rodríguez. We agreed to strengthen and expand our bilateral partnership in all areas, and to pursue a shared vision to take India-Venezuela relations to new heights in the years ahead.’
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the discussion covered expanding ties in trade and investment, energy, digital technology, health, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts. Both leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, emphasizing the importance of close cooperation for the Global South.
The PMO statement highlighted their agreement to remain in regular touch. Historically, India and Venezuela have enjoyed cordial relations due to aligned views on key international, political, and economic matters. Beyond bilateral promotion, they collaborate on multilateral platforms.
2023 marked the 64th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with permanent embassies in Caracas and New Delhi operational for over four decades. Venezuela has emerged as one of India’s top oil suppliers. Under the ITEC program, Venezuelan experts receive annual training in India, while ICCR has approved four scholarships for Venezuelan students since the 2017 academic year. Around 50 Non-Resident Indians and 30 Persons of Indian Origin reside in Venezuela.
This call underscores India’s proactive diplomacy in strengthening South-South cooperation amid global challenges.