US Vice President J.D. Vance, on a four-day official visit to India, discussed the progress in ongoing talks toward a possible bilateral trade agreement when he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the capital city on Monday evening.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Usha Vance, the Indian-origin wife of J.D. Vance, and all three of the Vice President's children warmly with a warm greeting at his residence in the country's capital.
The two leaders had a thorough discussion for further strengthening the India-US global strategic partnership. They also spoke about India's concerns over certain areas of US trade policy. Both nations are actively negotiating a trade agreement aimed at addressing such crucial issues like tariffs and access to markets.
A statement by the Prime Minister's Office stated, "They appreciated the impressive progress in the talks for a mutually advantageous India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement aimed at the welfare of the two nations' people. Similarly, they observed ongoing efforts towards deepening cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies and other fields."
Apart from trade and strategic collaboration, Modi and Vance also discussed major regional and global developments, underscoring that dialogue and diplomacy are crucial for solving global challenges.
After the meeting, Prime Minister Modi also hosted a dinner for the Vance family and US delegation members.
Earlier during the day, Delhi's Swaminarayan Akshardham temple was visited by the Vance family, all attired in traditional Indian clothes. Ewan and Vivek wore kurta-pyjamas, while Mirabel adorned herself with an Anarkali dress and a decorative embroidered jacket.
"Thanks so much to all of you for your warmth and hospitality in hosting me and my family here to this lovely location. It is a wonderful credit to India that you constructed a lovely temple with such care and precision. Our children, especially, enjoyed it. God bless," Vance posted on X.
The family also visited the Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath, browsing Indian crafts and artifacts.
Vance landed in the national capital on Monday morning at Palam Air Force Station, where he was greeted by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.
This is Vance's first visit to India as US Vice President. His schedule includes a visit to Jaipur and Agra before he returns to Washington on April 24, 2025.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Vance’s visit offers a chance for both countries to evaluate the progress made in bilateral engagements and implement commitments made during the India-US Joint Statement released on February 13, 2025, during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States.
The visit will also serve as a platform to exchange perspectives on international and regional matters of common interest, the MEA added.
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