US Vice-President JD Vance is set to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a four-day visit to India next week as both nations work on a bilateral trade agreement.
Their meeting is scheduled for 21 April, coinciding with the commencement of Vance’s trip, where they will discuss economic, trade, and geopolitical relations.
“This visit will offer a chance for both parties to assess the advancements in bilateral relations,” stated India’s foreign ministry.
This marks Vance’s inaugural visit to India since assuming office, coinciding with efforts to finalize a trade deal by autumn.
The vice-president will be joined by his wife Usha Vance and their children; Usha’s family originally emigrated to the US from Andhra Pradesh in southern India.
The trip is significant amid escalating trade tensions between the US and China, with President Donald Trump imposing tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports, while China retaliated with 125% tariffs on US goods.
India was also subjected to a 27% tariff from the US on 2 April, although a 90-day suspension was later announced.
Following that, Delhi and Washington have been striving for an early resolution to trade discussions.
India has proactively reduced tariffs on various products and is contemplating further cuts to offset Trump’s pressures.
Until recently, the United States was India’s leading trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $190 billion (£144 billion).
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US in February followed Trump’s inauguration, during which both leaders engaged in dialogue.
During his trip, Modi emphasized a “mega partnership” with the United States, a deal that included India’s commitment to increase imports from America, notably oil and gas.
Both leaders also established an ambitious goal to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion.
Vance’s upcoming visit follows Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s recent trip to India for a geopolitical conference.
Both India and the US play crucial roles in the Quad alliance—comprising India, Australia, the US, and Japan—recognized as a counterbalance to China’s growth in the Indo-Pacific region.
This visit occurs as Chinese President Xi Jinping concludes his Southeast Asian tour, promoting China as a dependable trade partner amid rising tensions with the US.
India is one of the two nations on Vance’s itinerary; before arriving in Delhi, he will visit Italy on 18 April, where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Under President Trump’s administration, Vance has been instrumental in leading diplomatic efforts internationally.
Trump has yet to embark on an overseas visit since his return to office in January.
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