US Vice President JD Vance and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have welcomed substantial advancements in discussions aimed at finalizing an early trade agreement between their nations, according to statements released by both offices on Monday. The development comes as India seeks to avoid looming US tariffs and deepen ties with President Trump’s administration.
Vance began a largely personal four-day visit to India on Monday with his family, which includes sightseeing at the Taj Mahal and delivering a speech in Jaipur, US officials confirmed.
Following their meeting, Modi’s office noted that both leaders reviewed ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as energy, defense, and strategic technologies. They also touched on regional and international matters, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred path forward—India’s usual stance on global conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
“The prime minister extended warm greetings to President Trump and expressed anticipation for his upcoming visit to India later this year,” the statement added.
Vance’s office said the two leaders agreed to a roadmap for continued discussions, stating that a bilateral trade pact “offers a chance to negotiate a modern agreement focused on job growth and improved citizen well-being in both countries.”
Vance, whose wife Usha is of Indian descent, had earlier stopped in Rome, where he held a private audience with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday.
In their talks, Modi and Vance positively assessed progress in multiple areas of bilateral cooperation that were outlined during Modi’s February visit to Washington, including the promotion of fairness in trade and the enhancement of defense ties.
‘TRADE DEAL WITH KEY PARTNER NEEDED’
Modi was among the first global leaders to meet Trump after his inauguration. Reuters previously reported that India may be willing to cut tariffs on over half its US imports—valued at $41.8 billion in 2024—as part of a broader trade agreement.
Despite that, President Trump has repeatedly called India a “tariff abuser” and the “tariff king.”
Commenting on Vance’s visit, Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday, “We are very positive that the visit will give a further boost to our bilateral ties.”
The US remains India’s top trading partner, with two-way trade totaling $129 billion in 2024. India maintains a $45.7 billion surplus, according to US trade data.
Indian officials aim to finalize the first phase of the trade deal within the 90-day window following Trump’s April 9 decision to pause tariff hikes for key trading partners, including India.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman echoed this optimism during a speech in San Francisco, stating that India hopes to conclude the initial phase of the deal by autumn. “Engaging with the US isn’t just about reciprocal tariffs—it’s about reaching an agreement with our largest trading partner,” she said.
Vance’s visit is also being seen as groundwork for President Trump’s upcoming trip to India for the Quad leaders’ summit involving Australia, Japan, the US, and India.
Harsh Pant, head of foreign policy at Delhi’s Observer Research Foundation, noted the strategic importance of Vance’s visit. “With rising US-China tensions and Vance’s increasing prominence in US diplomacy, the timing of this trip carries added significance,” he said.
