U.S. Vice President JD Vance began a four-day visit to India to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an effort to avoid steep U.S. tariffs and strengthen ties with the Trump administration. The visit, which includes personal activities such as visiting the Taj Mahal and attending a wedding, also aims to review progress made on the bilateral agenda outlined during Modi’s meeting with Trump in February. India is open to cutting tariffs on imports from the U.S., valued at $41.8 billion in 2024, as part of a trade deal. Despite Trump’s criticism of India’s tariffs, there is hope for a positive outcome from Vance’s visit. The U.S. is India’s largest trading partner, with $129 billion in two-way trade in 2024. Negotiations for a trade deal are expected to take place during the 90-day pause on tariff hikes announced by Trump. The visit also sets the stage for Trump’s later visit to India for the leaders’ summit of the Quad grouping. Vance’s visit is crucial amidst escalating U.S.-China tensions and his involvement in American diplomacy. While no deals are expected to be signed during the visit, discussions on defense partnership, arms procurement, and co-production are set to continue with the upcoming visit of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to India.
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