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India and US Advance Trade Deal Negotiations During Vance Visit
New Delhi – India and the United States have reported progress in ongoing discussions toward a bilateral trade agreement, following a meeting in Delhi between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice-President JD Vance. The leaders convened to explore avenues for enhanced economic partnership and cooperation across various sectors. Vance is currently in India for a four-day visit accompanied by his family, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
Modi and Vance Affirm Commitment to Bilateral Cooperation
Following the Monday evening meeting, Prime Minister Modi conveyed optimism regarding the burgeoning relationship. “We are dedicated to mutually beneficial cooperation, encompassing trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi stated on social media platform X. He further demonstrated the warm rapport by hosting a dinner for Vice-President Vance and his family at his official residence.
Trade Negotiations Amidst Tariff Concerns
India is currently engaged with the US, among other nations, in trade negotiations, particularly significant during a temporary reprieve on increased tariffs initiated by President Donald Trump. This 90-day pause, scheduled to conclude on July 9th, provides a window for reaching agreements.
Prior to this suspension, India faced the prospect of substantial 27% US tariffs. Since then, diplomatic efforts between Delhi and Washington have intensified, aiming for a swift and amicable resolution to the trade discussions.
Addressing Trade Reciprocity and Market Access
Despite the positive momentum and the personal rapport between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, trade imbalances remain a point of contention. President Trump has previously characterized India as a “tariff king” and criticized perceived unfairness in trade relations.
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Even in statements released after Vice-President Vance’s meeting, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasized the “serious lack of reciprocity in the trade relationship with India,” indicating ongoing concerns within the US administration.
India has already implemented tariff reductions on a range of commodities in recent months, and further, more extensive reductions are reportedly under consideration to potentially appease the US. However, sensitive sectors such as agriculture, where Washington seeks greater market access but India maintains strong protections, remain significant obstacles in the negotiation process.
Expanding Areas of Collaboration
Beyond the critical realm of trade, discussions between the leaders also encompassed collaboration in pivotal sectors, including defence, strategic technologies, and energy, according to a statement from Prime Minister Modi’s office. This broader agenda signifies a multifaceted approach to strengthening US-India relations.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed anticipation for President Trump’s visit to India later in the year. Delhi is slated to host the Quad summit, a significant geopolitical gathering, with President Trump expected to participate.
The bilateral engagement commenced with a meeting between the two leaders, succeeded by delegation-level talks and the subsequent dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the discussions.
Vance Family’s Visit Underscores Cultural and Personal Ties
Vice-President Vance’s arrival in India on Monday was notable not only for diplomatic reasons but also for the personal dimension. Accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children, the visit carries cultural significance. Usha Vance’s parents immigrated to the US from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, and reports suggest the Vances’ desire to introduce their children to their Indian heritage.
Images of the Vance children, dressed in traditional Indian attire – the boys in kurta-pyjamas and their daughter in a lehenga – upon their arrival, were widely circulated across Indian media outlets, reflecting public interest in the family’s visit.
Exploring Indian Culture and Heritage
While the meeting with Prime Minister Modi constituted a key element, the remainder of the Vance family’s itinerary is largely personal. Following their engagements in Delhi, the family traveled to Jaipur, where they explored the historic Amer Fort on Tuesday. Vice-President Vance is also scheduled to deliver a speech in Jaipur focusing on US-India relations, blending diplomatic and cultural aspects of the visit.
The family’s itinerary further includes a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra on Wednesday, before their departure back to the United States the following day. The blend of official discussions and personal exploration underscores the multifaceted nature of the US-India relationship.