Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called Venezuela a “valued partner” in Latin America, asserting that India-Venezuela cooperation holds “immense importance” for the Global South community.
“Happy to meet with the Acting President of Venezuela, Ms Delcy Rodriguez. We had extensive discussions on expanding our cooperation in energy, critical minerals, technology, agriculture, health and people-to-people ties,” PM Modi wrote on X after the meeting.
“As a valued partner in Latin America, our close cooperation with Venezuela holds immense importance for the Global South. We will continue to work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our nations” he added.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Rodriguez held a meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. EAM Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials were also present during the meeting.
During their talks on June 4, PM Modi and Rodriguez also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties and advancing interests of the Global South.
“PM Narendra Modi held wide-ranging discussions with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez of Venezuela. The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explored new avenues of cooperation in energy, trade, investment, healthcare, automobiles among others,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
“The leaders also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the bilateral partnership and advancing the interests of the Global South,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar called on Rodriguez and appreciated her sustained commitment to strengthening the partnership between India and Venezuela.
Addressing a special briefing on Rodriguez’s visit, MEA’s Secretary (East), Rudrendra Tandon, stated that the discussions between two leaders were “very substantive and businesslike.” He said that Venezuela sees India as a stable demander for energy for many years.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri also met Rodríguez. The minister reaffirmed India’s support for Venezuela’s energy reconstruction adding that Indian companies are ready to deepen their presence in Venezuela.