“We’ve already made that deal, the concept of the deal,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he travelled to Florida, referring to a framework in which India would begin purchasing Venezuelan crude oil.

Trump’s comments came shortly after reports that the United States had indicated India could soon resume purchases of Venezuelan oil to help make up for a reduction in Russian crude imports which New Delhi has been adjusting under shifting trade and diplomatic conditions.

India halted purchases of Venezuelan oil after Washington imposed a 25 percent tariff last year on countries buying Venezuelan crude, and that tax had kept Caracas largely out of India’s import mix. Trump’s latest remarks, however, suggest a possible easing of past restrictions to facilitate renewed trade between India and Venezuela.

At the same time, India has not been a significant buyer of Iranian oil in recent years due to longstanding U.S. sanctions on Tehran’s energy sector, which were reimposed in 2019 and have limited India’s access to Iranian crude for much of the past decade.

Following the imposition of sanctions on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Indian refiners increased purchases of discounted Russian crude, making Moscow a major supplier in place of Middle Eastern and Venezuelan sources. Trump’s administration has been encouraging New Delhi to diversify away from Russian oil, and the push toward Venezuelan supplies is part of that broader strategy.

The demographic shift in trade has also seen refiners like Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum, and MRPL express interest in Venezuelan crude, which is heavier and more suitable for certain complex refining units, although India has not taken Venezuelan cargoes since mid-2025. Renewed access could support diversification of crude sources and yield different refining margins.

Trump further suggested that other countries, including China, are also welcome to strike similar deals to buy Venezuelan oil, though he did not elaborate on any specific agreements or timelines for such arrangements.

While Trump described the idea as a deal in concept, official statements from Indian authorities confirming purchase agreements have not yet been made public, and observers note that any trade shift would involve consultation with industry and regulatory review.

Sources familiar with the matter say communication channels remained open even after the January 3 raid, highlighting Cabello’s central role in post-Maduro stability.

According to multiple officials, the talks began early in the current Trump administration and continued right up to Maduro’s ouster.

These communications were aimed at managing risks inside Venezuela and preventing a violent backlash from security forces loyal to Cabello.

US officials reportedly warned Cabello against using the intelligence services, police, military units, or pro-government militias under his influence to target political opponents.

Those forces largely survived the raid intact and still represent the strongest coercive power inside the country.

Cabello, aged 62, was named in the same US drug trafficking indictment used to justify Maduro’s arrest. Despite this, he was not detained during the operation, raising questions among analysts and lawmakers.

Sources said discussions with Cabello also touched on US sanctions imposed against him and the criminal indictment he faces. The talks continued in the weeks after Maduro’s removal, underscoring Washington’s concern about preventing internal chaos.

US officials believe that if Cabello were to mobilize the forces he controls, it could destabilize Venezuela and threaten interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s hold on power.

Maintaining communication with him is seen as a way to reduce that risk during the fragile transition period.

It remains unclear whether the discussions included any understanding about Venezuela’s future governance structure. There is also uncertainty over whether Cabello has complied with US warnings to avoid repression.

Publicly, Cabello has pledged unity with Rodriguez, whom President Donald Trump has praised as a key partner in the post-Maduro phase.
Behind the scenes, however, Cabello is widely viewed as a potential spoiler.

Rodriguez is considered the cornerstone of Washington’s strategy for stabilizing Venezuela while accessing its vast oil reserves. Cabello’s influence could either reinforce that plan or derail it entirely.

Sources said Cabello has communicated with the US both directly and through intermediaries. All sources requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.

The White House and the Venezuelan government did not respond to requests for comment. The communications have not been previously disclosed.

Cabello has long been regarded as Venezuela’s second most powerful figure. A former military officer and close ally of late President Hugo Chavez, he later became Maduro’s most feared enforcer.

He has wielded control over military intelligence, civilian counterintelligence agencies, and pro-government militias known as colectivos. These armed groups have been accused of violently suppressing protests and intimidating opponents.

Although Cabello and Rodriguez have worked within the same power structures for years, they are not considered close allies. Their rivalry adds another layer of uncertainty to Venezuela’s political transition.

US officials worry Cabello’s history of repression and internal power struggles could undermine reforms. At the same time, Washington sees him as necessary to maintain short-term order.

In 2020, the US indicted Cabello as a key figure in an alleged Venezuelan drug trafficking network. A reward for information leading to his arrest has since risen to 25 million dollars.

Cabello has consistently denied any involvement in drug trafficking. He has also publicly condemned US intervention, stating that Venezuela will not surrender.

Following Maduro’s removal, reports of aggressive security checkpoints have declined. Both the US and Venezuelan authorities say some political prisoners are being released, though rights groups argue progress is slow.

Cabello, as interior minister, is overseeing the release process. Hundreds of detainees reportedly remain in custody.

Recent developments have brought renewed global focus to Venezuela’s long-running political crisis. While tensions have risen, international actors are increasingly framing the moment as an opportunity for dialogue and peaceful transition.

At the center of global attention is Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado. Her appearance in Oslo to receive the Nobel Prize has been widely interpreted as a symbol of resilience and democratic aspiration.

Machado defied significant personal restrictions to attend the ceremony, emphasizing her commitment to nonviolent change. She described the recognition as belonging not only to her, but to millions of Venezuelans seeking dignity and political voice.

In her remarks, Machado reiterated her vision for a peaceful transition of power. She stressed that lasting change must come through civic engagement, international solidarity, and respect for democratic principles.

Meanwhile, relations between Washington and Caracas have intensified following the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. The incident has drawn strong reactions but also renewed debate about sanctions, enforcement, and diplomatic leverage.

The seizure marked a notable escalation in enforcement of oil-related restrictions. U.S. officials have framed the move as part of a broader effort to apply pressure while supporting political reform.

The economic impact has been significant, with Venezuelan oil exports facing renewed uncertainty. Regional analysts note that energy flows in the Caribbean and Latin America are closely interconnected, making stability a shared concern.

Despite heightened rhetoric, international observers continue to stress the importance of avoiding escalation. Many governments and institutions are calling for restraint, transparency, and renewed diplomatic engagement.

The United States has maintained that its actions are aimed at supporting democratic outcomes. Officials have emphasized that long-term stability in Venezuela depends on credible political processes and respect for human rights.

Within Venezuela, reactions remain mixed. Government authorities have condemned external pressure, while opposition supporters view international engagement as critical to breaking years of political deadlock.

Machado has sought to position herself as a unifying figure, appealing to the global community for support rather than confrontation. She has repeatedly highlighted reconciliation and institutional reform as core priorities.

Her Nobel recognition has amplified Venezuela’s situation on the world stage. For many, it represents hope that peaceful advocacy can still influence entrenched political realities.

Regional organizations and international partners continue to monitor developments closely. There is growing emphasis on negotiated solutions that prevent further economic or humanitarian strain.

Energy markets, diplomatic circles, and human rights groups all see this moment as pivotal. Decisions taken now may shape Venezuela’s trajectory for years to come.

While challenges remain, the focus on dialogue, peaceful transition, and democratic legitimacy offers a constructive path forward. Many believe sustained international engagement can help turn tension into transformation.