NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Vice President JD Vance hailed the “significant progress” made in the ongoing negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), aimed at benefiting the people of both nations. The PM hosted Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their children during their four-day visit to India. The U.S. delegation announced the finalization of the Terms of Reference for the negotiations, which will provide a roadmap for further discussions on shared economic priorities.
Both sides expressed their commitment to concluding the agreement soon, which will help India address potential trade challenges posed by the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs. Vance highlighted the U.S. pursuit of a fair and balanced trade relationship with India.
“The BTA provides an opportunity to forge a modern trade agreement that promotes job creation and enhances the well-being of citizens in both countries, focusing on balanced and mutually beneficial economic growth,” said an official U.S. readout. “The agreement is expected to open new opportunities for workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, aligning with the visions of ‘Amrit Kaal for India’ and ‘Golden Age for America.'”
In addition to the trade talks, the two leaders discussed the upcoming Quad summit, which India will host later this year. PM Modi expressed his anticipation of hosting former President Trump at the event. However, while the U.S. readout referenced the “positive and successful” February meeting between PM Modi and Trump, it did not mention Trump’s planned visit to India.
Vance and his family, accompanied by senior U.S. officials, arrived in Delhi on Monday morning and were welcomed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the airport. After their dinner meeting with PM Modi, which was described as both pleasant and productive, the delegation proceeded to Jaipur.
According to an Indian statement, PM Modi and Vance reviewed progress in several areas of bilateral cooperation, including energy, defense, and strategic technologies. The U.S. is keen to expand its defense exports to India, hoping this will help reduce the trade deficit between the two countries. Cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, as well as small and advanced modular reactors, is also high on the agenda.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, stressing dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. The situation in Ukraine and Gaza was discussed, with PM Modi reiterating India’s support for peace talks involving all parties.
PM Modi fondly recalled his visit to the U.S. in February, shortly after Trump’s return to the White House, and the “fruitful discussions” that laid the groundwork for closer India-U.S. cooperation. The two leaders had reaffirmed the strength of the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and launched the India-U.S. COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) initiative, aimed at fostering mutual trust, shared interests, and robust engagement between their nations.
“Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes to Vice President Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their children for a pleasant and productive stay in India,” said the Indian government.
