US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance are visiting India this month. The visit aligns with ongoing trade negotiations aimed at increasing market access and finalizing a Bilateral Trade Agreement by fall 2025. A target to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 is also in focus.
United States Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, are set to visit India this month, as reported by POLITICO based on information from three knowledgeable sources. Usha Vance, who has Indian roots, is the daughter of a molecular biologist and a mechanical engineer, both of whom migrated from Andhra Pradesh to the United States.
This forthcoming visit coincides with significant trade negotiations between the United States and India. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump expressed concerns regarding high tariffs imposed by countries including India, China, and Brazil, announcing that his plan for reciprocal tariffs would take effect on April 2. Indian officials are optimistic about the potential for resolution through ongoing trade discussions.
Union Minister Jitin Prasada informed Parliament that the focus of India and the United States will be to increase market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and enhance supply chain integration. This statement followed a visit from a delegation led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, as both nations aim to finalize a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the fall of 2025.
In efforts to support these negotiations, India is currently engaging in inter-ministerial discussions to address high tariffs on goods such as automobiles, including cars and motorbikes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump have previously agreed to initiate the first phase of a comprehensive and mutually beneficial BTA, with a target date set for completion by the fall of 2025. Furthermore, they outlined an ambitious objective dubbed “Mission 500,” aiming to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
The impending visit of Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance to India represents a strategic engagement amid ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and India. With mutual goals aimed at enhancing market access and reducing trade barriers, both nations are committed to developing a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement by the fall of 2025, alongside the bold initiative to significantly boost bilateral trade by 2030.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
