Here’s why Rubio is visiting a small Indian city that’s home to world’s largest oil-refining complex

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in India and on Wednesday travels to Jamnagar in Gujarat, home to the world’s largest oil-refining complex operated by Reliance Industries. The visit underscores Washington’s effort to diversify energy imports away from Russia and to explore markets for Venezuelan crude as Caracas ramps up production. Rubio said he would discuss increasing Venezuelan oil processing with Reliance, noting that India could play a role in expanding global oil supplies as Venezuelan output grows and that Jamnagar’s refining capacity could help address energy-security concerns amid geopolitical disruptions. The Jamnagar refinery processes about 1.4 million barrels per day, converting crude into fuels and petrochemicals, a scale deemed valuable during disruptions to supply or price volatility. Rubio is expected to meet Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani, reflecting the conglomerate’s central place in India’s energy landscape. Reliance spans petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecommunications, retail and new energy. The company is also linked to U.S. energy plans, including a proposed $300 billion refinery project in Brownsville, Texas backed by Reliance. The visit follows high-profile events in Jamnagar, such as lavish pre-wedding celebrations in March 2024 involving Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, which amplified global attention on the city and its flagship refining complex.