PM Modi, US VP JD Vance hail 'significant progress' in India-US trade talks during vital New Delhi meeting

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance on Monday (Apr 21) welcomed "significant progress" in negotiations for a comprehensive India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, with a focus on mutual welfare and economic cooperation.

Vice President Vance, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, their children, and senior US officials, is on a four-day official visit to India—his first since taking office. He is also scheduled to visit Jaipur and Agra.

Meeting in New Delhi, the two leaders reviewed key areas of bilateral partnership, including energy, defence, and strategic technologies. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, emphasising dialogue and diplomacy as the path forward.

As per a press release, Prime Minister and Vice President Vance reviewed and positively assessed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation.

"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. Likewise, they noted continued efforts towards enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies and other areas. The two leaders also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward," the release said.

PM Modi recalled his January visit to Washington, where discussions with President Trump laid the groundwork for strengthened ties under the vision of "Make America Great Again" and "Viksit Bharat 2047".

"Prime Minister fondly recalled his visit to Washington DC in January and his fruitful discussions with President Trump, which laid down the roadmap for close cooperation between India and the US, leveraging the strengths of Make America Great Again (MAGA) and Viksit Bharat 2047," read the release.

Modi extended his best wishes to the Vance family and also conveyed warm greetings to President Trump, expressing anticipation for his visit to India later this year.

Following the meet, Vance took to X and said that he looks "forward to working under President Trump’s leadership to strengthen our friendship and cooperation with the people of India!"

It was an honor to see Prime Minister Modi this evening. He’s a great leader and he was incredibly kind to my family.

I look forward to working under President Trump’s leadership to strengthen our friendship and cooperation with the people of India! https://t.co/pCWmxcFjw8

The visit comes at a critical time in India-US trade relations, with ongoing negotiations following Washington’s move to impose reciprocal tariffs. The US has temporarily reduced tariffs on most trade partners to 10 per cent for 90 days to allow talks to progress.