Trump Says India Will Buy Venezuelan Oil in Deal, Drawing Political Reactions

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Feb 1, 2026: U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that India has already made a deal to buy oil from Venezuela instead of sourcing it from Iran, a shift he says reflects changes in global oil supply arrangements. Trump made the remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One while travelling from Washington, stating, “We’ve already made that deal, the concept of the deal.”

Trump’s comments come amid broader shifts in U.S. energy policy and pressure on countries over their oil import strategies. In March 2025, his administration imposed a 25% tariff on countries buying Venezuelan oil—including India—as part of efforts to influence global energy trade and penalise purchases from certain nations.

There was no immediate official response from New Delhi to Trump’s assertion about the deal with Venezuela. However, political figures in India have reacted to the claim. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh sharply questioned Trump’s statements, suggesting the U.S. President appeared to be revealing sensitive information about India’s energy policy and noting that Trump has previously commented on Indian decisions regarding Russian oil imports. Ramesh highlighted that Trump’s remarks about a Venezuelan oil deal with India raise questions about the source and accuracy of such information.

The reported shift towards Venezuelan oil follows U.S. efforts to encourage India to reduce imports of Russian crude and consider alternative suppliers. Separate reports indicate that the United States has told India it could resume Venezuelan crude purchases as part of this strategy, although details on formal agreements and official confirmation remain unclear.

The claim is unfolding against a backdrop of global energy realignments, with the U.S. also inviting other major buyers, including China, to consider Venezuelan oil under new arrangements.