India and the US said they had made "significant progress" in negotiations for a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement, after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance discussed a range of issues related to deepening bilateral cooperation in the fields of defense, energy and strategic technologies, PTI reported, quoted by BTA.
The talks took place hours after Vance arrived on a four-day visit to India, accompanied by the Indian-origin second lady - Usha Chilukuri, and their three children - their sons Ewan, Vivek and daughter Mirabel.
The White House said that Vance and Modi welcomed the "significant progress" in the negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement and officially announced the "finalization of the technical parameters" of the negotiations. The two leaders also developed a roadmap for further discussions on economic priorities.
Modi and Vance also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and called for "dialogue and diplomacy".
The Indian Prime Minister's Office said Modi conveyed his warm greetings to President Donald Trump and looked forward to his visit to India later this year. Trump is expected to visit India to attend the annual summit of the QUAD group (a quadrilateral security dialogue that includes the United States, Japan, Australia and India - ed.).
After the consultations, Modi hosted Vance and his family for a state dinner at his residence. Members of the Indian government and US officials were also invited.
Modi later said on the social network "Ex" that the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the US would be decisive for "a better future for our people and the world". "It is a pleasure to welcome US Vice President J.D. Vance and his family to Delhi. We reviewed the rapid progress since my visit to the US and meeting with President Trump," Modi noted in his post. "We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the areas of trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges," he added.
"It was an honour to meet Prime Minister Modi tonight. He is a great leader and has been extremely kind to my family," Vance wrote on "Ex". "I look forward to working under President Trump to strengthen our friendship and cooperation with the people of India," Vance added.
Delhi and Washington are in talks to conclude a bilateral trade agreement, as agreed in February during Modi's visit to Washington.
The trade pact is expected to include a number of points, including tariffs and market access. India is seeking to ratify the first part of the trade pact before the expiration of a three-month pause in reciprocal tariffs announced by Trump. The White House said the pact provides an opportunity to conclude a new and modern agreement aimed at promoting job creation and the well-being of citizens of both countries, with the aim of strengthening bilateral trade and integrating supply chains in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner.
Last month, Brendan Lynch, assistant to the US Trade Representative, visited India and held talks to strengthen the free trade agreement.
On April 22, Vance will visit a number of historical sites in Jaipur, including the Amer Fort, also known as the Amber Fort. The fort is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the afternoon, the US vice president is scheduled to address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Center in Jaipur. On April 23, the US Vice President and his family will travel to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and the "Shilpgram" arts and crafts complex. Vance and his family are expected to depart for the US from Jaipur on April 24.