Vance, Modi Discuss Trade Deal in New Delhi

U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday to strengthen bilateral ties and accelerate progress on a much-anticipated trade agreement aimed at shielding India from renewed American tariffs.

Vance, on a largely personal four-day visit to India, held talks with Modi at his official residence. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said the two leaders “reviewed and positively assessed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation” and “welcomed the significant progress” in trade negotiations.

India and the United States are currently working toward a comprehensive trade deal that could be finalized this year. The agreement aims to more than double their trade volume to $500 billion by 2030 — a move expected to deepen economic engagement and enhance strategic relations.

Vance’s office described the deal as “a modern trade agreement focused on job creation, citizen well-being, and robust supply-chain integration” that benefits both economies.

His visit comes amid a pause in President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff program, which had included India. It also coincides with a deepening U.S.–China trade conflict, positioning India as a key partner in Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

During their meeting, Modi and Vance discussed broad areas of cooperation, including defense, energy, and technology. They also exchanged views on global and regional developments, reiterating their shared commitment to diplomacy and dialogue.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that Vance’s trip would “further deepen the India–U.S. comprehensive global strategic partnership.”

A Blend of Diplomacy and Culture

Vance’s visit, though officially diplomatic, also includes cultural and personal elements. Accompanied by his wife Usha Vance — a practicing Hindu of Indian heritage — and their three children, the Vice President was welcomed with a traditional Indian classical dance performance upon arrival at New Delhi’s Palam airport.

The family has already visited the Akshardham Temple and is expected to tour iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal and Amer Fort during their stay.

The visit follows Vance’s stop in Rome, where he met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, just a day before the pontiff’s death.

Strategic Importance of India in U.S. Policy

India remains a vital strategic ally for the U.S., especially in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. As a key member of the Quad — alongside the U.S., Japan, and Australia — India is central to efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Modi has maintained close ties with Trump, becoming one of the first leaders to visit Washington after Trump’s return to the White House. Their renewed rapport is expected to help drive progress in trade and defense.

During his visit to the U.S., Modi praised the “mega partnership” between the two countries and initiated talks to mitigate the impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs.

In response to U.S. concerns, India has signaled its willingness to import more American energy and defense equipment. It has also cooperated with U.S. efforts to deport undocumented migrants, accepting thousands of Indian nationals in recent months.

Despite the cooperation, Trump has previously referred to India as a “tariff abuser” and imposed a 26% levy on select imports — a policy now partially suspended.

Urgency of a Trade Deal

India views the trade agreement as urgent, given the threat of future tariffs that could hurt key export sectors including agriculture, auto parts, medical equipment, and jewelry.

Former Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla noted that Vance’s visit comes at a critical time for global trade. “U.S. trade policy under Trump offers India a strategic opportunity to expand its presence in American markets and global supply chains,” he said.

India is also courting investment from top U.S. tech firms. Last month, Elon Musk’s Starlink signed deals with major Indian telecom operators to provide satellite internet services. Musk is expected to visit India later this year, potentially signaling new developments in Tesla’s long-delayed entry into the Indian market.

Defense Ties on the Rise

The two nations are also expected to sign a 10-year defense cooperation framework later this year. India has increasingly integrated American military hardware — including fighter jets, helicopters, and missile systems — into its armed forces, reinforcing its role as a leading U.S. defense partner in the region.