Vance, Modi welcome significant progress in bilateral trade talks: White House

Vance, Modi welcome significant progress in bilateral trade talks: White House

U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed significant progress in bilateral trade talks during Vance's four-day visit to India, according to a White House statement. The visit, which began on Monday, April 21, 2025, aims to address U.S. tariffs and negotiate a comprehensive trade deal between the two nations.

The meeting between Vance and Modi on Monday evening in New Delhi marked the first day of Vance's visit. The two leaders discussed the ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, which aims to more than double their trade to $500 billion by 2030 [1]. The White House noted that the visit provides an opportunity to review the progress in bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments [2].

The visit comes at a critical time for India, given the U.S.'s tariff program against most countries, including India, and the intensifying trade war between Washington and Beijing. India, which is New Delhi's main rival in the region, is a close partner of the U.S. and an important strategic ally in combating China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Modi and Vance are expected to review the progress in bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The visit is seen as a potential boost to their bilateral ties, with India's Foreign Ministry expressing a positive outlook [1].

The trade talks are particularly urgent for India, as it could be hit hard by reciprocal tariffs, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, processed food, auto components, high-end machinery, medical equipment, and jewelry. India has already held sector-specific trade talks with the U.S. to address these issues [2].

Vance's visit coincides with the pause in the U.S.'s tariff program against most countries, including India. The pause, which was announced after Vance's arrival in New Delhi, provides a window for the two countries to finalize their trade deal [1].

The visit also highlights the strong personal ties between Vance and Modi, with Vance's wife, Usha Vance, a practicing Hindu whose parents are from India, joining him on the trip. The couple and their three young children are expected to visit iconic sites in India, including the Akshardham Hindu temple, the Taj Mahal, and the Amer Fort [1].

The trade deal, if achieved, could significantly enhance economic ties between the U.S. and India and potentially strengthen diplomatic ties as well. The visit is also seen as a step towards a potential summit of Quad leaders, which includes the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, later this year [1].

References:
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vance-modi-meeting-india-trump-tariffs/
[2] https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/jd-vance-lands-in-india-to-navigate-trump-tariff-tensions-and-forge-deals/chQielBRbQT