Rubio confirmed Venezuela’s interim president will visit India next week for discussions on oil cooperation
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington is prepared to supply India with as much energy as it is willing to purchase, signalling a major push to deepen energy cooperation between the two countries amid ongoing global fuel market volatility.
Speaking to reporters ahead of his India visit, Rubio said the United States wants India to become a much bigger part of its energy export portfolio.
“We want to sell India as much energy as it will buy,” Rubio said, adding that Washington was already in talks with New Delhi to expand oil and energy cooperation.
Rubio described India as a “great ally” and a “great partner”, while underlining the importance of strengthening ties in energy, trade and defence sectors.
SECRETARY RUBIO on his INDIA TRIP: There’s a lot to work on with India, they’re a great ally and partner. We do a lot of good work with them so this is an important trip. pic.twitter.com/6NcHqmQ8mB
— Department of State (@StateDept) May 21, 2026
The remarks come at a time when the ongoing Iran conflict and instability around the Strait of Hormuz have triggered a sharp rise in global fuel prices, putting pressure on energy-importing nations such as India. India imports a significant portion of its crude oil requirements and has recently raised fuel prices amid rising international costs.
Rubio also hinted at possible opportunities involving Venezuelan crude oil. He said Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez is expected to travel to India next week for discussions related to oil cooperation.
The US has been increasing engagement with Venezuela’s oil sector in recent months, with Washington reportedly encouraging greater energy cooperation involving countries such as India.
Rubio further said his upcoming India visit would include discussions on energy security, trade ties and defence cooperation. He is scheduled to visit New Delhi, Kolkata, Agra and Jaipur from May 23 to May 26.
The US Secretary of State also highlighted the importance of the Quad grouping, saying meetings with Quad foreign ministers would take place during his India visit.
“We’ll also meet with Quad there, which is important,” Rubio said, noting that his first meeting as Secretary of State had also been with the Quad nations.
On Iran, Rubio warned that Washington would not tolerate any move by Tehran to control or monetise access through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. Reports suggesting Iran may consider imposing transit tolls through the strait, he said, would threaten global trade and freedom of navigation.
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