New Delhi — April 21, 2025 — In a key moment for India-U.S. relations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at his official residence in New Delhi on Monday, marking the first high-level White House visit since President Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this year.

Vice President Vance, accompanied by his wife and two children, is on a four-day official visit to India aimed at strengthening strategic, economic, and cultural ties between the two democracies.

During their bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi and Vice President Vance expressed strong support for advancing a long-discussed trade agreement between the two nations, referring to it as a “new and modern trade pact” designed to reflect the evolving economic priorities of both countries.

Footage from the meeting showed the leaders exchanging warm greetings and engaging in discussions that covered trade, defense cooperation, and regional security.

Vance’s visit comes amid a complex global economic landscape, with the United States recently announcing sweeping new tariffs measures that have been temporarily paused for 90 days for most partners, including India. The pause has created a brief window for diplomacy and negotiation, which both leaders appeared eager to seize.

“India and the United States share a deep commitment to democratic values, innovation, and economic opportunity,” said Vance during the meeting. “We look forward to working together to build a stronger, more resilient partnership.”

Prime Minister Modi echoed the sentiment, noting that the U.S. remains one of India’s most important strategic partners. “This visit reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared vision for a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

Vance is expected to meet with Indian business leaders, attend a roundtable on technology and digital trade, and visit key cultural sites before concluding his visit later this week.