Securing energy lifelines for India’s vast populace tops the policy chart, with diversification as the nimble response to world events. MEA’s Randhir Jaiswal laid this out crisply in his New Delhi briefing, stressing adaptability in sourcing to serve 1.4 billion without fail.
‘It’s our highest priority, vocally stated often,’ he said. ‘Strategic variety in energy inflows, driven by markets and global shifts, anchors our every choice.’
Venezuela loomed large in queries, boasting historic energy-trade synergy. Imports rolled until 2019-20 sanctions; a 2023-24 comeback crumbled under fresh bans. Indian state firms, however, endure via 2008-era PDVSA pacts.
‘Longtime collaborator in energy and beyond,’ Jaiswal summarized. ‘We’re game to probe commercial upsides from them or others, true to our security ethos.’
PM Modi’s recent hotline with Delcy Rodriguez amplified optimism. His social media nod affirmed mutual zeal to supercharge bilateralism across fronts. Per PMO, focal areas span trade-investment, energy core, digital leaps, health initiatives, agricultural synergies, and grassroots connections.
India’s playbook shines: pragmatic, partner-agnostic, viability-focused. This Venezuela focus signals broader intent to reclaim disrupted flows where feasible. In a landscape of supply shocks and rivalries, such positioning equips the nation for endurance and expansion.