US Vice President J.D. Vance will leave for a four-day visit to India on Monday, where the two countries are seeking to explore economic opportunities and strike a bilateral trade deal.
Mr Vance will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss economic, trade and geopolitical issues.
The administration of President Donald Trump sees Mr. Vance's trip as a major diplomatic initiative that comes at a time of sharply escalating trade war between Washington and Beijing, New Delhi's main rival in the region.
An India-US trade deal could significantly strengthen economic ties between the two countries and possibly boost their diplomatic relations.
The US is also India's leading trading partner, with bilateral trade until recently worth $190 billion (£142 billion).
India's Foreign Ministry said the visit would provide an opportunity for both sides to review progress in bilateral relations and the two leaders would “exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.”
Mr Vance's arrival in India comes just weeks after Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard visited for a geopolitical conference and two months after Mr Modi met with Mr Trump in Washington.
Mr Modi was one of the first leaders to visit the US and hold talks with Mr Trump after his return to the White House. During his visit, Mr Modi hailed a “mega partnership” with the US and initiated talks to reduce the potential impact of Mr Trump’s tariffs after he had already cut tariffs on a range of American goods.
Despite this, Mr Trump took aim at India, imposing a 26 per cent levy as part of his now-suspended tariff programme, providing temporary relief to Indian exporters.
During his visit, Mr Modi sought to reduce looming trade barriers, saying he was open to reducing additional tariffs on American goods, repatriating illegal Indians and purchasing military equipment. The two countries also agreed to begin talks on a bilateral trade agreement.
On Friday, Mr Modi said he had spoken to Elon Musk, saying he and the SpaceX chief had “discussed the enormous potential for cooperation in technology and innovation,” adding that “India remains committed to advancing our partnership with the US in these areas.”
India is a close ally of the US in bilateral trade, foreign direct investment, defence cooperation and an important strategic partner in the fight against rising
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
