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US Vice-President JD Vance Visits India Amid Trade Tensions
US Vice-President JD Vance has arrived in New Delhi for discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coinciding with rising global trade tensions influenced by America’s tariff decisions.
The agenda for these discussions is expected to include the acceleration of a long-anticipated bilateral trade agreement between the United States and India.
In addition to official meetings, Vance is set to explore the cultural landmarks of Agra and Jaipur with his family.
This visit occurs at a critical juncture as nations worldwide are eager to finalize trade agreements prior to the expiration of a 90-day suspension on reciprocal tariffs that President Donald Trump announced, which concludes on July 9.
According to India’s foreign ministry, “The two sides will also exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest,” highlighting the cooperative spirit of the upcoming talks.
Vance is accompanied by his family during this trip, including his wife, Usha Vance, whose heritage includes roots in Andhra Pradesh.
Upon arriving in the capital on Monday morning, Vance began his visit with a tour of the Akshardham temple complex.
Formal discussions with Prime Minister Modi are scheduled for later in the day, culminating in a dinner hosted by the prime minister that evening.
This diplomatic engagement comes during a period of intensified trade friction between the US and several countries, following Trump’s imposition of significant reciprocal tariffs.
Trump has previously accused India of being a “tariff abuser,” imposing a 27% tariff on Indian goods before pausing it on April 9.
India has already made moves to reduce tariffs on select American products, with potential for further reductions since the current trade balance heavily favors India, which possesses a trade surplus of $45 billion.
It is noteworthy that India maintains average tariffs around 12%, significantly higher than the United States’ average of 2%.
Until recently, the United States held the title of India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade figures reaching approximately $190 billion.
Prime Minister Modi was among the initial world leaders to engage with Trump following his inauguration, emphasizing the importance of India’s relationship with the US and referring to it as a “mega partnership.”
Both leaders set an ambitious target to enhance bilateral trade to $500 billion, encouraging India to increase imports from the US, including key sectors like oil and gas.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s visit to India was a follow-up to these discussions, supported by a US delegation headed by Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch.
The significance of Vance’s tour is underscored by the anticipated visit of President Trump to India later this year for the Quad summit, which will include leaders from Australia and Japan.
As Vance engages with Indian officials, foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed optimism, stating that Delhi is “very positive that the visit will give a further boost to our bilateral ties.”
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