UPSC Notes

India-Venezuela Bilateral Relations

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC frequently asks about India's bilateral relations with various countries, especially those with strategic economic (energy) or geopolitical significance, and their implications for India's foreign policy and economic interests.

India and Venezuela share traditionally warm bilateral relations, characterized by cooperation in the energy sector, trade, and convergence of views on major international issues, reflecting a shared commitment to the Global South.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Historical Ties

Rooted in cooperation in the energy sector and a shared commitment to the Global South.

Economic Engagement

Bilateral trade stood at $678.94 million in 2025-26; Venezuela is a major crude oil supplier to India.

Sectoral Cooperation

Includes energy (ONGC Videsh JV), pharmaceuticals (India supplying to Venezuela), AYUSH, digital solutions, critical minerals, and cultural exchanges.

Multilateral Support

Venezuela supports India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

Reference table

Key Areas of India-Venezuela Cooperation

SectorDetails
EnergyVenezuela is a major crude oil supplier; ONGC Videsh JV
TradeBilateral trade $678.94 million (2025-26); India supplies pharmaceuticals
MultilateralVenezuela supports India's UNSC permanent membership bid
New AvenuesCritical minerals, automobile sector, digital solutions

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)Manages bilateral relations
ONGC Videsh LimitedEngages in energy sector joint ventures
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Long-standing warm relations, shared Global South commitment.
  • Key energy partner for India (crude oil, ONGC Videsh).
  • Growing trade, especially pharmaceuticals from India.
  • Venezuela supports India's UNSC permanent membership.
  • Exploring new areas like critical minerals and digital solutions.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

International Relations

Why is India’s relief mission to Venezuela named Operation Amistad?

27 Jun 2026 · India-Venezuela relations are strong, driven by energy cooperation (oil supply, ONGC Videsh), growing trade (pharmaceuticals), and shared views on global issues, including Venezuela's support for India's UNSC bid.

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Current topic

India-Venezuela Bilateral Relations

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on India-Venezuela Bilateral Relations in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.