In New Delhi, U.S. Vice President JD Vance engaged in discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday as India seeks to steer clear of U.S. tariffs, negotiate a trade agreement, and firmly establish ties with the Trump administration. Vance is in India for a primarily personal four-day visit and met with Modi at his residence, where they reviewed and assessed progress in various sectors of bilateral cooperation. The talks were described as positive, with significant progress noted in negotiating a potential trade deal between the two nations.
The White House released a statement indicating that Vance and Modi laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions, a sign of forward movement, although talks are far from conclusion. Continued talks with Indian counterparts reflect high-level involvement from the Trump administration, which portrays its tariff strategy as a negotiating tactic to curb China’s manufacturing dominance. As India’s largest trading partner, the U.S. is in discussions to finalize a bilateral trade agreement within the year, aiming to more than double trade to $500 billion by 2030. Such an agreement could reinforce economic partnerships and diplomatic relations.
Vance’s first New Delhi visit occurs against a backdrop of President Trump’s partial pause on tariffs against countries including India. In April, Trump announced a 90-day tariff pause, temporarily imposing a 10% tax on most imports, aiming for negotiations and broader deals. While Japan has been a focus of Trump’s talks, India’s potential makes it a strategic counterweight to China, its main regional rival. On Tuesday, Vance is scheduled to speak at Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, India, possibly unveiling more details about trade discussions.
Modi’s office affirmed that both leaders noted advances in cooperation spanning energy, defense, strategic technologies, and other sectors. They discussed various regional and global issues, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as preferable approaches. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked that Vance’s visit aims to deepen the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the U.S and India.
Mixing business with leisure, Vance was welcomed with a classical dance performance upon his New Delhi arrival following his visit to Rome, where he met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday—before the pontiff’s passing. Accompanying Vance were his wife, Usha Vance, a practicing Hindu of Indian descent, their three children, and U.S. administration officials. After visiting New Delhi’s Akshardham temple, the family plans to explore the Taj Mahal and the 12th-century Amer Fort, a UNESCO site.
India’s strategic role in counterbalancing China’s influence cannot be overstated. As a crucial U.S. partner, existing within the Quad—comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia—India helps mitigate China’s regional expansion. Trump plans to attend a Quad leaders’ summit in India this year. Washington seeks a robust partnership with New Delhi to check China’s power, and Modi has established solid rapport with Trump, anticipated to boost bilateral cooperation further.
Modi was among the first leaders to meet Trump in the U.S. post-inauguration, where Modi praised a “mega partnership” and initiated negotiations to mitigate Trump’s tariffs’ potential repercussions. Both nations discussed expanding their defense partnership, with India aligning with requests to purchase American oil, energy, and defense equipment. Modi has also supported Trump’s immigration policies by accepting Indian citizens deported from the U.S.
Despite these gestures, Trump imposed a 26% levy on India, some of which is now paused. However, he continues to label India as a “tariff abuser.” For India, these trade talks are critical, given the risk of Trump’s tariffs impacting sectors like agriculture, automotive, machinery, medical equipment, and jewelry.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla, India’s former foreign secretary and U.S. ambassador, believes Vance’s visit arrives amid global trade upheaval and predicts strengthened New Delhi-Washington ties under Trump’s presidency, especially in technology and defense. “U.S. trade policy under Trump gives India a chance to expand its presence in U.S. markets and global supply chains,” Shringla said.
Modi’s administration is also keen to attract investments from Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Last month, Musk’s Starlink collaborated with Indian telecom providers to offer satellite internet services, and he may visit India later this year, potentially advancing Tesla’s entry into the Indian market.
India remains a key defense ally of the U.S., integrating advanced American jets, missiles, helicopters, and military technology into its forces. Both countries plan to sign a framework agreement this year to reinforce their defense partnership over the next decade.