New Delhi, April 22, 2025 — In a key diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Vice President JD Vance have welcomed what they described as “significant progress” in the ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India–U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement. The advancement in trade discussions was underscored by the formal announcement of the Terms of Reference for the proposed agreement, marking a pivotal step toward deepening economic ties between the two democracies.
Vice President Vance, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance and their three children, met Prime Minister Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday for delegation-level talks, reflecting a warm and familial tone in what was otherwise a strategically crucial meeting.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), both leaders “welcomed the significant progress in the negotiations for a mutually beneficial India–U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement focused on the welfare of the people of the two countries.” The statement raises hopes for the conclusion of a trade pact, which could materialize by autumn of this year, in line with commitments made during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States in February where he met U.S. President Donald Trump.
Progress on Key Economic Front
Negotiations have gained fresh momentum after the United States recently implemented a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for India and select other nations. A high-level Indian delegation is expected to travel to Washington soon to follow up on discussions initiated by a recent visit of a U.S. trade team to New Delhi.
Both sides are also reportedly considering an interim agreement as a precursor to the final deal.
Strengthening Strategic Convergence
Prime Minister Modi fondly recalled his visit to Washington D.C. in January and his “fruitful discussions with President Trump,” which, the government said, laid the foundation for a forward-looking roadmap anchored in the complementary visions of "Make America Great Again (MAGA)" and "Viksit Bharat 2047."
The meeting also served as a strategic review, with Modi and Vance positively assessing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors including energy, defence, strategic technologies, and other high-impact domains.
“The two leaders exchanged views on a range of regional and global issues of mutual interest,” the PMO added, emphasizing their shared commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve conflicts.
India, in particular, reiterated its longstanding position advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Russia–Ukraine conflict through diplomatic channels.
A Diplomatic Courtesy
Prime Minister Modi extended warm wishes to Vice President Vance, the Second Lady, and their children for a “pleasant and productive stay in India.” He also conveyed his regards to President Donald Trump, expressing enthusiasm for his anticipated visit to India later this year.
With both countries aiming to finalise the trade agreement within the year, the latest round of high-level discussions signals growing synergy in the India–U.S. strategic partnership, grounded in shared democratic values and a vision for resilient global leadership.
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