Trump Says Oil Deal with Venezuela Done, Invites China to Participate
US president claims oil agreement with India, extends invitation to China as Washington seeks to reshape energy partnerships
Washington/New Delhi, Feb 1: US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that an oil deal has been agreed with India under which New Delhi will purchase Venezuelan crude instead of Iranian supplies, even as he invited China to participate in similar arrangements, sources reported.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump asserted that “we’ve already made a deal” with India on Venezuelan oil, framing it as a strategic shift away from Iranian crude. He stressed that “China is welcome to come in and make a great deal on oil,” underscoring his administration’s intent to broaden engagement around Venezuelan energy resources.
The remarks follow recent US statements indicating that Venezuelan oil exports, which had been disrupted under sanctions, could soon resume under arrangements supported by Washington. Trump also said countries around the world would begin taking Venezuelan oil with US leadership.
There has been no official confirmation from the Indian government regarding any formal agreement yet, and analysts note that India’s crude import patterns historically limited from Iran due to longstanding sanctions make the reported shift notable if realised.
The comments by Trump reflect ongoing efforts by the US to influence global energy trade and alliances, including encouraging partners to diversify sources and align with American strategic goals in the wake of geopolitical pressures in oil markets.
