US Vice President Vance discusses trade pact with India’s Modi

NEW DELHI

US Vice President JD Vance on Monday discussed trade pact with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, against the backdrop of negotiations for a bilateral trade pact.

Vance arrived in the Indian capital New Delhi on Monday on a four-day official visit.

In the evening, Vance held talks with Modi.

“They welcomed the significant progress in the negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-U.S. bilateral trade agreement focused on the welfare of the people of the two countries,” an official statement said, adding that the leaders “reviewed and positively assessed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation.”

The Indian statement said Vance and Modi exchanged views on "various regional and global issues of mutual interest, and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward."

Modi on X said India is "committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defense, energy and people-to-people exchanges."

"India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership will be a defining partnership of the 21st Century for a better future of our people and the world," he added.

Vance's visit comes amid President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies. He imposed 27% import duties on India last month as part of his "reciprocal" tariffs on several countries.

He later granted a 90-day reprieve to all nations, except China, and instead introduced a 10% baseline tariff to negotiate bilateral deals.

Vance and his family are also visiting the Indian cities of Jaipur and Agra.

Usha Vance, wife of the US vice president, is an Indian-American.