US Vice President JD Vance and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about the progress in early trade deal discussions between their nations, their offices stated on Monday, as New Delhi seeks to avoid US tariffs and strengthen ties with the Trump administration.
Vance arrived in India on Monday for a four-day personal visit with his family, which includes visits to the Taj Mahal and a speech in Jaipur, according to US officials.
Following their discussions, a statement from Modi’s office highlighted their continued efforts to enhance cooperation in areas such as energy, defense, and strategic technologies.
They exchanged views on regional and global issues, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as a resolution, reiterating India’s stance on global conflicts without naming specific ones.
New Delhi has previously used this approach regarding the war in Ukraine.
“The Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to President Trump and expressed his anticipation for his visit to India later this year,” the statement added.
A statement from Vance’s office revealed that the leaders agreed on a roadmap for further trade discussions, emphasizing that a bilateral trade agreement offers an opportunity to negotiate a modern trade agreement focused on job creation and citizen well-being in both nations.
Vance’s wife, Usha, is the daughter of Indian immigrants.
Vance’s visit to New Delhi followed a private meeting with Pope Francis in Rome on Easter Sunday.
Modi and Vance positively assessed the progress in bilateral cooperation outlined during their February meeting in Washington, which includes trade fairness and defense partnership growth.
The Indian Prime Minister was among the first world leaders to meet Trump after his inauguration, and reports indicate that his government is open to reducing tariffs on over half of its US imports, valued at $41.8 billion in 2024, as part of a trade deal.
However, President Trump has continued to label India a “tariff abuser” and “tariff king.”
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed optimism about Vance’s visit, stating that it would further strengthen bilateral ties.
The US is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $129 billion in 2024, resulting in a $45.7 billion surplus for India, according to US government trade data.
New Delhi officials anticipate finalizing a trade deal with the US within the 90-day tariff pause announced by Trump on April 9th.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed hope for a positive conclusion to the first phase of the trade pact by autumn, during an address to the Indian diaspora in San Francisco.
“Engaging with the US is not solely for reciprocal tariff matters, but also due to our need for an agreement with our largest trading partner,” Sitharaman emphasized.
Vance’s visit is also seen as a preparatory step for Trump’s potential visit to India later in the year for the Quad leaders’ summit.
Harsh Pant, foreign policy head at the Observer Research Foundation, highlighted the critical timing of Vance’s visit amid ongoing trade talks.
“The escalating US-China tensions and Vance’s prominent role in American diplomacy add significant weight to the visit,” he stated.
