NEW DELHI, June 4, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - India gave a red-carpet welcome on Thursday to Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks to bolster trade between the oil exporter and his energy-hungry nation.

Rodriguez has led Venezuela, which accounts for around 17 percent of global crude reserves, since January, when US forces captured former socialist president Nicolas Maduro.

She shook hands with Modi outside New Delhi's sprawling Hyderabad House before the talks began.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said talks with Modi will "further strengthen our cooperation".

Rodriguez's visit comes as India -- the world's third-largest oil importer -- ramps up purchases of Venezuelan crude to offset supply disruptions linked to war in the Middle East.

Speaking after she landed on Wednesday, Rodriguez said she expected "very fruitful" discussions.

"We are going to have a very productive agenda, and I hope to discuss areas of cooperation that can help address the most pressing needs of the Venezuelan people," she said, speaking on Venezuelan television.