United States has warned India not to become economic lifeline for Venezuela and join the oil boycott.
Following meeting with visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Monday the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said, “I am confident that they too understand the real threat to the Venezuelan people.”
US and its allies have recognized Juan Guaido from opposition as legitimate leader of Venezuela, which is currently in turmoil and facing shortages of food and medicine supplies.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro prevented the donated food supplies from the US late last month. He is being supported by several countries including China, Russia and Cuba.
Pompeo hit out at the nations supporting Maduro regime saying they are undermining the democratic dreams and welfare of the people in Venezuela.
Pompoe appreciated India for support on efforts in Iran saying, “India has been incredibly supportive of our efforts on Iran.”
India is one of the major importers of Venezuelan oil and in 2017-18 the country purchased 11.5 million tons of oil.
Bloomberg reports India became largest customer for Venezuelan oil in February 2019 purchasing about 55 percent of the oil production.
Last month the US National Security Adviser John Bolton warned through a tweet that if India imports oil from Venezuela, it will not be forgotten.
Besides, the Venezuelan Oil Minister Quevedo visited India lately to urge increase in oil import to twice the volume.
