Rubio calls India a refining superpower, says US to discuss Venezuela oil with Reliance

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday described India as a “refining superpower”. He said that during his three-day visit to India, the US delegation would discuss oil production in Venezuela with Reliance Industries.

Rubio said India had the capacity to refine heavy crude and had done so in the past. While speaking to reporters in Mumbai he said this capability could become increasingly relevant as Venezuelan oil production expands.

“India is a refining superpower. They have the capability to refine heavy crude. They've done so in the past, and I think as more and more Venezuelan oil comes online, it's something they can do,” Rubio said.


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He also pointed out that Indian companies already have oil concessions in Venezuela, leaving room for them to ramp up production.

Rubio, however, cautioned that Venezuelan oil could not entirely make up for supply disruptions elsewhere in the world. It could help ease some of the pressure in the short term and become a more significant source of supply over time, he said.

The US had previously discussed the possibility with India, Rubio said, adding that New Delhi appeared open to the idea. Sanctions and other hurdles, however, would need to be worked out before any progress could be made.

Rubio said the US delegation would also hold talks with Reliance on oil production in Venezuela. He also acknowledged India's efforts to diversify its crude oil purchases, saying the country had made “substantial progress” and calling it a “smart thing to do”.


(With PTI inputs)