The United States has signalled that it is ready to allow India to buy Venezuelan oil under a new system controlled by Washington. The move could partially reopen trade that US sanctions had frozen for years.

A senior official from the Trump administration confirmed the shift. When asked if India could resume purchases of Venezuelan crude to meet its growing energy needs, the official replied, “Yes.” However, the official said the finer details are still under discussion.

US to Control Oil Sales

US Energy Secretary Christopher Wright recently explained the plan. He said Washington is open to selling Venezuelan oil to “almost all countries.”

He added that oil sales will happen only under strict US oversight. “So that oil, we’re allowing it to flow. Again, it’s marketed by the United States government. The money’s gonna flow into accounts,” Wright said.

This structure allows the US to control both the supply chain and the revenue.

India Stands to Gain

Before sanctions, India was one of Venezuela’s biggest oil buyers. Indian refineries relied on Venezuelan heavy crude to run their complex systems.

If access resumes, India could diversify its energy imports. This would help meet rising domestic demand and reduce dependence on other suppliers.

Millions of Barrels Ready for Market

Speaking at an energy conference, Wright said the US plans to sell between 30 million and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil that are currently in storage.

He also said future production would follow the same sales framework. This move could reshape global oil flows, with Washington firmly in charge.

Trump Confirms New Oil Strategy

US President Donald Trump later confirmed the plan. He said the United States will refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude.

He linked the move to political changes in Venezuela following the removal of former president Nicolás Maduro.

“Venezuela is going to be very successful,” Trump said. “We’re taking back what was taken from us,” he added, referring to the oil sector.

Massive Investment Promised

Trump said oil companies would invest “at least $100 billion dollars of their money” to revive Venezuela’s oil industry.

He made it clear that the US government will decide which companies can invest. Washington plans to tightly manage production, investment, and exports.

Infrastructure Repairs and Output Push

The administration has asked US oil firms to help repair Venezuela’s damaged oil infrastructure. It also wants companies to sharply increase output.

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. However, years of sanctions, mismanagement, and underinvestment have crippled production.

Sanctions Left Oil Stranded

Millions of barrels of Venezuelan crude remain stuck in storage tanks and vessels. Sanctions and logistics issues blocked exports for years.

Under the new plan, the US will control Venezuelan oil exports indefinitely. At the same time, it may allow limited shipments to non-US buyers, including India, under strict conditions.

If implemented, the policy could benefit both sides. Venezuela would regain access to markets. India would secure another energy source in a changing global oil landscape.