US to explore Venezuelan oil refining and production with Reliance, says Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington will hold discussions with Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries on refining more Venezuelan crude oil and exploring opportunities to produce oil in Venezuela.

Speaking to journalists after arriving in Mumbai on Tuesday, Rubio said the US would engage with Reliance on both refining Venezuelan crude and expanding oil production in the South American country.

The discussions could bring energy cooperation into focus during Rubio’s three-day visit to India, which comes amid efforts by New Delhi and Washington to advance ties despite differences over trade, immigration and regional security.

Energy cooperation on the agenda

Rubio began his India visit with a stop in Mumbai on Tuesday. His engagements are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, investment, defence and critical technologies.

Energy is among the key areas under discussion, with the proposed engagement with Reliance highlighting the role Indian companies could play in refining Venezuelan crude and potential production activities in Venezuela.

However, further details of the proposed discussions, including the scope of Reliance’s possible involvement, were not immediately available.

Visit comes amid trade tensions

The visit comes at a time when India-US relations have faced strain over tariff measures, immigration policies and differences over the handling of last year’s military clashes between India and Pakistan.

Despite these disagreements, both countries have indicated progress in negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement. The outcome of those discussions remains an important part of the broader engagement between the two sides.

Rubio’s visit is his second to India in 2026. His meetings are expected to provide an opportunity for the two countries to discuss areas of mutual interest while addressing issues that have complicated their relationship.

The ongoing war in the Middle East is also expected to form part of the wider regional context for the discussions, alongside cooperation in energy and other strategic sectors.