US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Jamnagar highlights an emerging reality in India-US relations: energy infrastructure has become a source of geopolitical influence. As Washington seeks to contain fuel-price pressures and diversify oil supplies, India’s refining industry offers opportunities that extend beyond commercial transactions. The challenge for New Delhi is to convert this interest into lasting economic and strategic gains without compromising its national interests.

Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar complex, capable of processing about 1.4 million barrels of crude oil daily, occupies a distinctive position in global energy markets. Its ability to handle heavy crude, including Venezuelan grades, makes it a potential partner for the United States as Washington seeks to expand Venezuelan oil supplies and encourage greater purchases of American energy. With US midterm elections approaching, fuel prices carry immediate political significance for President Donald Trump’s administration. For India, cooperation must serve national interests rather than Washington’s geopolitical preferences.

Russian oil became a major source of supply after the invasion of Ukraine disrupted global energy flows. Replacing it with American or Venezuelan crude makes sense only if the alternatives offer competitive prices,........

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