India, US Advance Trade Talks during VP Vance’s Visit
India and the United States are making steady progress toward a bilateral trade agreement, according to official statements following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance in New Delhi, BBC reported.
Vance, on a four-day visit to India with his family, met Modi on Monday evening. The leaders discussed a range of key issues, including trade, defence, strategic technologies, and energy cooperation. A dinner was hosted by the Prime Minister in honor of Vance and his family.
“We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi said in a post on X, according to BBC.
The visit comes as India wants to reach a trade agreement with the United States before President Donald Trump's 90-day tariff truce expires on July 9. Prior to the halt, India faced potential tariffs of up to 27%.
Modi also expressed anticipation for President Trump’s upcoming visit to India, expected later this year during the Quad summit in Delhi.
JD Vance arrives in India amid tariff tensions
US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in India's capital, where he is scheduled to meet with PM Narendra Modi amid global trade concerns fueled by Washington's tariff policies.
The discussions are likely to focus on expediting a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement between the two countries, according to BBC.
Vance is also anticipated to join his family on a sightseeing tour to Agra and Jaipur.
His visit comes as countries across the world scramble to reach a trade agreement before US President Donald Trump's 90-day delay on reciprocal tariffs expires on July 9.
South Korea's acting president says tariff talks with US may not be easy
South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo said on Monday that upcoming trade talks with the United States are expected to be the start of meaningful cooperation, though the negotiations may prove difficult.
As stated by Reuters, South Korean Finance and Industry Ministers are scheduled to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington on April 24.
Han emphasized that the government would make an “all-out effort” to secure a mutually beneficial agreement, stressing the importance of calmly and seriously consulting with the U.S. while prioritizing national interests, Reuters reported.
The meeting comes at a critical time for Seoul as it seeks to strengthen economic ties with Washington while safeguarding its own industries amid growing global trade tensions.
PM Modi and Elon Musk talk India-US tech collaboration
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with Elon Musk about potential collaboration in "technology and innovation." Modi shared details of the conversation on X, revisiting earlier discussions from their Washington meeting, BBC reported.
The talk comes as India seeks to finalize a bilateral trade agreement with the US to counteract potential tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. It also precedes the upcoming visit of US Vice-President JD Vance to India.
Musk, associated with Trump and leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is aiming to expand his business in India. His company Starlink signed an agreement with major Indian telecom firms to deliver satellite internet and is awaiting government approval to launch services, according to BBC.
The dialogue follows Trump's announcement of a 27% tariff on Indian goods, which has since been paused, prompting ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations.
