Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez is on her first visit to India, focusing on energy cooperation, including the supply of Venezuelan oil to India. New Delhi seeks to diversify energy imports amid supply disruptions caused by the US-Israel war on Iran.

Rodriguez, a follower of Indian guru Sathya Sai Baba, is expected to visit his birthplace in Puttaparthi. Her predecessor Nicolas Maduro was also a devotee. Sathya Sai Baba, born in 1926, claimed at age 14 to be the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba and gained a global following.

Sai Baba rose to prominence in the 1970s-80s, known for materializing objects and alleged healings, though scientists accused him of fakery. In 2002, the UK parliament alleged sexual abuse of children, but he was never charged. After his death in 2011, cash and gold were found in his quarters, leading to fraud allegations.

Rodriguez's visit coincides with India ramping up Venezuelan oil imports. Venezuela holds the world's largest oil reserves, but US sanctions and mismanagement have crippled production. India now imports about 417,000 barrels per day from Venezuela, up from 283,000 in April.

Indian foreign ministry secretary Rurendra Tandon said talks focused on forging an energy partnership, with opportunities in mining, animal husbandry, transport, agricultural equipment, and pharmaceuticals.

Source: www.aljazeera.com