The United States has highlighted India’s Jamnagar refinery as a potential asset in its efforts to facilitate Venezuelan oil sales, drawing attention to the facility’s strategic importance in global energy trade.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the remarks following a three-day visit to India that included a tour of Reliance Industries Limited’s refinery complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Rubio said stronger economic ties and cooperation on energy security would benefit both countries. In a post on X on Thursday, he said his visit had advanced Washington’s economic and strategic priorities in the region.

The Jamnagar complex, operated by Reliance Industries, is a major refining hub with the capacity to process different grades of crude oil. Its ability to handle a variety of crude types makes it relevant to discussions around the potential marketing and processing of Venezuelan oil.

Rubio’s visit comes as Washington pursues economic and strategic interests in the region, with energy cooperation forming part of its engagement with New Delhi.

The refinery’s role in any Venezuelan oil arrangement would depend on the applicable US policies, commercial agreements and regulatory requirements governing the trade.