US envoy hails India's refining prowess, eyes Venezuelan oil cooperation

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday described India as a refining superpower with the technical capability to process heavy crude oil, remarks that underscore potential energy collaboration between the two nations. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai on the first day of a three-day visit, Rubio indicated that discussions with Indian energy majors, including Reliance, would focus on Venezuelan oil production and refining opportunities.

"India is a refining superpower. They have the capability to refine heavy crude. They've done so in the past, and I think as more and more Venezuelan oil comes online, it's something they can do," Rubio said. He also noted that India holds pre-existing oil concessions in Venezuela that could be leveraged for increased production.

While acknowledging that Venezuelan oil alone cannot address all global energy supply gaps, Rubio expressed confidence in its potential contribution over time. "It's not claiming to you that Venezuela alone can fill the hole that could be caused by some of the things that are happening around the world, but I think over time, it most certainly can, and in the short term, it can certainly help," he stated.

The remarks reflect the US administration's broader strategy to diversify global oil supplies and strengthen energy security partnerships in Asia, where India's refining sector plays a significant role in global energy markets.