American Vice President JD Vance, who is currently on a four-day visit to India, on Tuesday met PM Narendra Modi and called him a ‘great leader’.
“It was an honor to see Prime Minister Modi this evening. He’s a great leader and he was incredibly kind to my family,” Vance posted on X.
“I look forward to working under President Trump’s leadership to strengthen our friendship and cooperation with the people of India!” he said.
Vance met Modi on Monday for a closed-door meeting.
According to reports, the talks mainly focused on the India-US trade deal, which both countries are keen to finalise soon.
Modi personally welcomes Vance
The Prime Minister personally welcomed JD Vance and his family at his official residence in Delhi.
The meeting took place amid a major global uncertainty over a raging US-China trade war.
“We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges. India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership will be a defining partnership of the 21st Century for a better future of our people and the world,” PM Modi said.
Modi wrote on X: “Pleased to welcome US @VP @JDVance and his family in New Delhi. We reviewed the fast-paced progress following my visit to the US and meeting with President Trump. We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges. India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership will be a defining partnership of the 21st Century for a better future of our people and the world.”
Trade deal
Delegation-level talks followed it and came at a time when India and the United States are at an advanced stage of discussions to finalise a bilateral trade deal that will benefit both nations.
President Trump, who imposed a 26 percent tariff over and above the previous 10 percent tariff on Indian goods, has currently paused the new “reciprocal” tariffs for 90 days, bringing in some breather.
JD is accompanied by his India-origin wife Usha Vance and their children.
The White House has stated that the Trump administration has put its relations with India as a top priority and is keen to have a trade deal in place.
Indian leaders have said that a trade deal was expected by Autumn, but it is being given priority to be completed by the end of July.
New Delhi has, however, made it clear that it will not be hurried into a deal, nor would it be compelled to make a deal “at gunpoint”.
A deal will only happen when it takes India’s concerns into account, it said.
