U.S. Vice President JD Vance's recent visit to India focused on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing trade negotiations amid concerns over potential tariffs. Vance met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss these critical issues.
New Delhi is aiming to navigate potential American tariffs and pursue a bilateral trade deal with Washington. The goal is to fortify relations, especially given President Trump's recent tariff policies, including a 26% tariff on Indian imports, which is currently on a 90-day pause until July 8, 2025. The U.S. is seeking to address what it perceives as a lack of reciprocity in the trade relationship.
During the visit, both sides finalized the terms of reference for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), outlining a roadmap for future discussions. The U.S. is India's largest trading partner, with both countries aiming to significantly increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Vance's visit also included discussions on cooperation in energy, defense, and strategic technologies.