As the storms in the Strait of Hormuz stir up global oil tanker routes, the South Asian subcontinent is finding a new sense of security in South American oil fields.

Indian Energy Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently stated during a meeting with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez that Indian energy companies are interested in expanding their oil business in Venezuela. This is not a diplomatic courtesy, but a strategic shift forced by the geopolitical situation.

The new four poles of India's oil map

The statement from an official from the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is more straightforward: "We are working with a friendly government who wants to establish a partnership with India, and we hope to make a reciprocal response. Venezuela has always been our close friend, and now we are only restoring normal relations

The data confirms this intimate warming: India has become the second largest buyer of Venezuelan crude oil after the United States. In May, India's daily crude oil imports from Venezuela reached 427000 barrels, a surge of about 51% from 283000 barrels in April, making Venezuela India's fourth largest oil supplier.

Venezuela's own exports are also accelerating their recovery, with an average daily export volume of 1.25 million barrels in May, an increase of about 1.6% from April and a 61% increase from the forecast for the same period last year. According to Kpler's prediction, its daily export volume is expected to increase to 1.5 million barrels by 2026. After the United States relaxed its sanctions on Venezuela in February, the policy channel has been basically opened up, and India is accelerating its entry at this time, with a precise timing.

Every bucket is a lifeline

Behind India's buying and buying is a supply chain that has been forced to expand. As the world's third-largest oil importer, India relies on imports for up to 85% of its domestic oil demand. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to be tense, and the uncertainty of crude oil supply in the Middle East has increased. India has to move forward in multiple directions: Russia, Brazil, and Venezuela are the main drivers of growth, and African oil sources such as Nigeria and Angola are also increasing their efforts. Behind every barrel of substitute oil lies a deep anxiety about energy security. Keywords: Venezuelan oil exports, Indian energy

As uncertainty in the Middle East spreads eastward, Venezuela's oil is becoming an increasingly heavy pawn on India's energy chessboard. This South South energy cooperation appears to be business on the surface, but its underlying theme is survival.Editor/Cheng Liting