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US Vice President Vance meets Indian PM Modi for trade talks

Midhat Fatimah AFP, Reuters
April 22, 2025

The meeting between JD Vance and India's Narendra Modi comes as New Delhi is trying to avoid Trump's trade tariffs. Vance's office reported "significant progress" in the talks.

US Vice President JD Vance and Indian PM Narendra Modi on April 21, 2025
JD Vance and Narendra Modi also discussed enhancing cooperation in energy, defense and strategic technologiesImage: PIB/AFP

US Vice President JD Vance, who is on a four-day trip to India, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks over trade. He said they had made progress in reaching a trade deal between the two countries.

The meeting between Vance and Modi comes as India is trying to seal an early trade deal before the expiry of a 90-day pause on tariffs announced by Donald Trump's administration.

Vance is visiting India on a mostly personal trip with his wife Usha, whose parents are from India, and their children.

JD Vance is visiting India with his familyImage: India's Press Information Bureau/Handout via REUTERS

Vance's visit is also being viewed as an opportunity for India to host Trump later this year for the summit of leaders of the Quad grouping that includes India, Australia, Japan and the US.

What do we know about the meeting between Vance and Modi?

Modi's office said that there had been "significant progress in the negotiations" with the two countries negotiating the first tranche of a trade deal.

Vance's office also reported "significant progress" in the talks and said the two leaders outlined a plan to take economic discussions forward.

The talks present "an opportunity to negotiate a new and modern trade agreement focused on promoting job creation and citizen well-being in both countries," the statement from Vance's office added.

US Vice President Vance begins four-day visit to India

02:56

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After Vance's meeting on Monday, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said he was "pleased to confirm" that Washington and India's Ministry of Commerce "have finalized the Terms of Reference to lay down a roadmap for the negotiations on reciprocal trade".

During their meeting, the two leaders also discussed enhancing cooperation in energy, defense and strategic technologies, among others, a statement from Modi's office said.

Edited by: John Silk

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