U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, with both leaders welcoming progress in talks toward an early trade deal, as India races to finalise an agreement and avoid fresh American tariffs.
The visit, while officially personal, carried diplomatic weight. Vance was accompanied by his family, including wife Usha, whose parents are of Indian origin. Beyond a stop at the Taj Mahal and a scheduled speech in Jaipur, the vice president’s four-day stay has helped set the stage for President Donald Trump’s expected visit to India later this year.
Modi’s office said the two leaders discussed ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation in energy, defence and strategic technology. They also addressed broader regional and global developments, though without explicitly naming conflicts like Ukraine.
“Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to President Trump and said he looked forward to his visit later this year,” the statement said. The White House has not issued its own readout.
The trade talks follow a February meeting between Modi and Trump in Washington, where both sides pledged to resolve long-standing tariff disputes and strengthen defence ties. India remains the U.S.’s largest trade partner, with bilateral goods trade reaching $129 billion in 2024 — nearly $46 billion of that in India’s favour, according to U.S. data.
Modi’s government has signalled it is willing to slash tariffs on over half of its U.S. imports — valued at $41.8 billion — to secure a deal. That window narrowed after President Trump paused tariff hikes for key partners, including India, for 90 days starting April 9.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, speaking from San Francisco on Monday, confirmed India was aiming to complete the first phase of the trade pact by autumn. “It’s not just about reciprocal tariffs,” she said. “We need an agreement with our largest trading partner.”
Despite ongoing talks, Trump continues to refer to India as a “tariff abuser” and the “tariff king.” Still, officials in New Delhi remain optimistic that Vance’s visit and Trump’s upcoming appearance at the Quad leaders’ summit in India will help push the deal across the finish line.
The trip marks a notable moment for Vance, who in recent months has taken on a more visible diplomatic role amid escalating U.S.-China tensions.
“The timing is critical,” said Harsh Pant, foreign policy head at the Observer Research Foundation in Delhi. “Vance’s growing profile signals that this isn’t just a symbolic visit — it’s strategic.”
Saudi Arabia fully supports the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said, expressing hope for a constructive outcome that could ease regional tensions.
Japanese children continue to struggle with mental health issues, ranking 32nd out of 43 developed and emerging countries, according to a new UNICEF report, despite notable improvements in education and strong physical health indicators.
Microsoft has announced 6,000 job cuts, representing nearly 3% of its workforce, as part of a strategy to streamline operations and prioritize investments in artificial intelligence.
Russia will send a delegation to Istanbul for peace talks with Ukraine on Thursday, but the members will be revealed in the evening. The Kremlin confirmed the talks would proceed, and a senior Russian lawmaker suggested an all-for-all prisoner exchange might be considered.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Türkiye as a "staunch and capable ally" following his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, emphasizing progress on Ukraine and NATO cooperation ahead of summit.
France will expel Algerian diplomats in response to Algiers' decision to expel French officials, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Wednesday, signaling a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia fully supports the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said, expressing hope for a constructive outcome that could ease regional tensions.
Japanese children continue to struggle with mental health issues, ranking 32nd out of 43 developed and emerging countries, according to a new UNICEF report, despite notable improvements in education and strong physical health indicators.
Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson welcomed the PKK's declaration of disarmament and dissolution, calling it an important step toward rejecting violence and strengthening security.
Microsoft has announced 6,000 job cuts, representing nearly 3% of its workforce, as part of a strategy to streamline operations and prioritize investments in artificial intelligence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
U.S. President Donald Trump kicked off his Gulf tour with a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, securing a major strategic economic agreement and pledging deep investment ties between the two nations.
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV has pledged to prioritise global peace, rejecting war as inevitable and offering the Vatican’s role in mediating international conflicts.
Sony reports an 18% rise in profit for the fiscal year ending March 31, driven by strong demand in music and gaming sectors, despite a slowdown in its financial segment.
France will expel Algerian diplomats in response to Algiers' decision to expel French officials, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Wednesday, signaling a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia fully supports the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said, expressing hope for a constructive outcome that could ease regional tensions.
Russia will send a delegation to Istanbul for peace talks with Ukraine on Thursday, but the members will be revealed in the evening. The Kremlin confirmed the talks would proceed, and a senior Russian lawmaker suggested an all-for-all prisoner exchange might be considered.
France will expel Algerian diplomats in response to Algiers' decision to expel French officials, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Wednesday, signaling a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia fully supports the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said, expressing hope for a constructive outcome that could ease regional tensions.
Japanese children continue to struggle with mental health issues, ranking 32nd out of 43 developed and emerging countries, according to a new UNICEF report, despite notable improvements in education and strong physical health indicators.
Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson welcomed the PKK's declaration of disarmament and dissolution, calling it an important step toward rejecting violence and strengthening security.
Microsoft has announced 6,000 job cuts, representing nearly 3% of its workforce, as part of a strategy to streamline operations and prioritize investments in artificial intelligence.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment