In a major milestone for India-US relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance announced the finalization of the Terms of Reference for negotiations on the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) during their meeting in New Delhi on Monday.
The announcement marks the first official step toward crafting a modern trade deal aimed at strengthening economic ties, generating employment, and enhancing supply-chain integration between the two democracies.
A Shared Vision for Prosperity
The two leaders hailed the progress made in negotiations and emphasized their shared vision—‘Amrit Kaal’ for India and the ‘Golden Age for America’—as guiding principles for the proposed agreement. A joint statement from the US Vice President’s office noted that the BTA seeks to promote “job creation and citizen well-being in both countries.”
High-Level Visit
Vice President Vance was accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, their children, and senior members of the Trump Administration. During the warm and productive visit, the delegation was hosted at Prime Minister Modi’s official residence.
“The Vice President extended his sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his gracious hospitality,” the US statement said.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
This visit follows the successful meeting between President Donald Trump and PM Modi in Washington earlier this year, where the two launched the India-U.S. COMPACT—an initiative for boosting cooperation in defence, commerce, and technology.
The leaders also reviewed bilateral progress in sectors like energy, strategic technologies, and defence, and exchanged views on global developments.
Dialogue Over Disputes
Both leaders agreed on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward in addressing regional and global challenges. PM Modi also expressed his warm regards to President Trump and shared his anticipation for Trump’s upcoming visit to India later this year.
Vance’s First India Visit
This marks JD Vance’s maiden official visit to India as Vice President. Apart from Delhi, he is also scheduled to visit Jaipur and Agra before heading back to Washington, DC.
The visit comes at a crucial time, as trade negotiations between India and the US gain momentum amid Washington’s temporary reduction of reciprocal tariffs to allow space for dialogue.
