The move is part of a broader US effort to redirect India’s oil imports away from Russia.

The move is part of a broader US effort to redirect India’s oil imports away from Russia. India is now on track to cut Russian crude imports by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the coming months. The US decision to pitch Venezualan oil to India comes amid broader diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Caracas. US tariffs on Indian goods reached 50% in August after Washington added an extra 25% levy over purchases of Russian oil. Several refiners have already cut ties with Russian crude. Refiners have stepped up purchases from Middle Eastern, African and South American producers to offset reduced Russian supplies.