April 18, 2025
U.S. Vice President JD Vance will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21 April during a four-day official visit
The visit comes as India and the US aim to finalise a bilateral trade agreement by autumn
Trade tensions with China and recent US tariffs on Indian goods form the backdrop to this engagement
India has responded by reducing tariffs and is considering further cuts to avoid potential US trade penalties
US Vice President JD Vance will travel to India next week on a four-day official visit as Washington and Delhi work towards concluding a bilateral trade agreement. According to India’s foreign ministry, Vance is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21 April, the first day of his trip, to discuss economic, trade, and geopolitical ties.
This will be Vance’s first visit to India since taking office. The visit is set against the backdrop of an escalating trade conflict between the US and China. Under President Donald Trump, the US has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods, with the possibility of some levies reaching 245%. In retaliation, China has introduced tariffs of up to 125% on US products. India was also hit by US tariffs of 27% on 2 April, though these have been paused for 90 days.
In response, India has lowered tariffs on several goods and is reportedly considering broader reductions to maintain progress in trade negotiations. The US and India have been working towards a deal that would more than double their bilateral trade from the current $190 billion to $500 billion.
Earlier this year, Modi visited the US shortly after Trump’s second inauguration. The two leaders announced a major economic partnership, including increased Indian imports of US oil and gas.
Vance’s visit follows a similar trip by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who attended a geopolitical conference in India. The timing also coincides with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s tour of Southeast Asia, where he is attempting to position China as a reliable trade partner amid growing friction with the US.
Before arriving in India, Vance will visit Italy, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on 18 April. Since Trump’s return to office in January, Vance has been leading key diplomatic engagements on behalf of the administration, as the president has yet to undertake an international trip.
Source: BBC