Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance in New Delhi today (21 March 2025), marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to deepen India-U.S. relations. The Vice President was accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, their children, and senior officials from the U.S. administration during the high-level engagement.
The two leaders reviewed the progress across a broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation and welcomed the advancements made in negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement. The agreement is aimed at improving the economic welfare of citizens in both countries.
Prime Minister Modi fondly recalled his February visit to Washington D.C., where he held discussions with President Donald Trump. Their talks laid out a roadmap for enhanced collaboration between the two democracies, aligning the visions of “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) and “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
In a statement released after the meeting, the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted that Modi “welcomed the significant progress” in the ongoing trade negotiations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to building a resilient partnership with the United States.
Vice President Vance, whose wife Usha Vance traces her roots to the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh began the visit with a tour of the Akshardham temple complex.
The visit takes place amid escalating trade tensions following President Trump’s announcement of steep reciprocal tariffs on several nations. India, labeled a “tariff abuser” by Trump in previous statements, saw a proposed 27% tariff temporarily paused earlier this month. In response, India has reduced tariffs on select U.S. goods, with further adjustments expected as efforts continue to rebalance the $45 billion trade surplus currently in India’s favour.
Prime Minister Modi extended his warm greetings to President Trump and expressed anticipation for the President’s upcoming visit to India later this year
(Image credit: PIB)
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