India and the United States are moving forward in their efforts to finalize a bilateral trade agreement, according to statements released after a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Vice President JD Vance in New Delhi.
Vance, currently on a four-day visit to India with his wife and three children, met with Modi on Monday night. The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including trade, technology, defense, energy, and cultural exchanges. Following the meeting, Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to affirm the countries’ commitment to "mutually beneficial cooperation" across key sectors. The prime minister also hosted a dinner for the Vance family at his residence.
The talks come at a pivotal moment. India is one of several countries engaged in trade negotiations with the U.S. during President Donald Trump's 90-day moratorium on increased tariffs, which is set to expire on July 9. India had been facing the prospect of 27% tariffs from the U.S. before the pause was announced, prompting both nations to expedite discussions.
While Modi and Trump have maintained a strong personal rapport—Modi was among the first world leaders to visit Trump after the start of his second term—the U.S. president has consistently criticized India's trade practices. He has previously called India a "tariff king" and a "big abuser" of trade relations.
After Monday’s meeting, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reiterated concerns about the "serious lack of reciprocity" in the trade relationship, signaling that unresolved issues remain. India has already reduced tariffs on several goods and is reportedly considering broader concessions, though contentious sectors like agriculture remain sticking points. Washington is seeking greater market access, but India continues to protect its agricultural sector.
Beyond trade, Modi and Vance also touched on strategic cooperation in defense, energy, and advanced technologies. The Indian leader expressed anticipation for President Trump’s upcoming visit to India later this year, likely to coincide with the Quad summit to be held in Delhi.
Following the bilateral discussions, delegation-level talks were held, and the Vance family enjoyed an official dinner hosted by Modi.
The rest of Vance's trip has a personal dimension. Accompanied by his wife Usha and their children, the family is also exploring Usha’s Indian roots—her parents originally hail from the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. Their arrival in India was widely covered in local media, with photos showing their children dressed in traditional Indian attire: the boys in kurta-pyjamas and their daughter Mirabel in a lehenga.
After their time in Delhi, the family traveled to Jaipur, where they visited the historic Amer Fort. Vance is scheduled to deliver a speech on U.S.-India relations while in the city. On Wednesday, they will visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra before departing for the United States the following day.
(Reported by BBC)
