JD Vance met Narendra Modi in India to advance trade talks, achieving progress toward a new bilateral trade deal, while also discussing broader cooperation and setting the stage for a potential Trump visit.

US Vice President JD Vance, currently on a four-day visit to India, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss trade relations between the two countries. Vance noted that progress had been made toward finalizing a trade agreement.

The meeting comes at a critical time, as India aims to secure a trade deal before the expiration of a 90-day pause on tariffs imposed during former President Donald Trump’s administration. This temporary pause has given India an opportunity to reassess its export strategies and work toward more favorable trade terms.

Vance’s trip is largely personal—he is accompanied by his wife, Usha, whose parents are from India, and their children. However, the visit has taken on diplomatic importance as it also positions India to host Trump later this year for a summit of the Quad nations, which include India, Australia, Japan, and the United States.

According to Modi’s office, the talks yielded “significant progress” in negotiations, with both countries working on the first phase of a trade deal. Vance’s office echoed this sentiment, stating that the leaders had outlined a strategy to advance economic discussions. The statement also highlighted the opportunity to create a modern trade agreement that prioritizes job creation and public well-being in both nations.

Following the meeting on Monday, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that Washington and India’s Ministry of Commerce had finalized the Terms of Reference, establishing a roadmap for negotiations on reciprocal trade.

In addition to trade, the two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in sectors such as energy, defense, and strategic technologies, according to a statement from Modi’s office.