World
US President Donald Trump said India will purchase Venezuelan oil rather than Iranian imports, according to reports from Washington and Florida. The comment came a day after US officials informed Indian authorities they could soon restart purchases of Venezuelan crude as an alternative to Russian oil supplies, which the US seeks to replace due to funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The US effort involves Venezuela to supply oil to India aligns with efforts to reduce oil revenue that is supporting Russian aggression. In March last year, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on countries buying Venezuelan oil, including India. On Saturday, Trump also indicated China could enter into a deal with the US to purchase Venezuelan oil.
These moves reflect broader US diplomatic strategies aimed at curbing Russia’s military expenses through disruption of its main source of income from oil sales.