US Trade Chief Vance Visits Delhi to Meet Modi Amid Tariff Tensions

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s deputy, Sarah Vance, arrived in New Delhi today for high-level trade discussions with Indian officials, including a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit comes at a time when trade relations between the United States and India are experiencing strains over tariff policies and market access issues.

The key focus of Vance’s visit is to address growing concerns regarding recent tariff hikes by both countries. The United States has expressed dissatisfaction with India’s import duties on certain American agricultural and technology products. In return, India has raised concerns about US protectionist measures affecting its steel, aluminium, and pharmaceutical exports.

Vance is expected to explore ways to de-escalate trade tensions and restore a more balanced bilateral trade relationship. Sources indicate that she will also meet with senior officials from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry to discuss the broader framework of cooperation, including digital trade, data localisation, and regulatory barriers.

The meeting with Prime Minister Modi is being seen as a significant diplomatic step to underline the importance of US-India economic ties. With both nations strategically aligned in defence and geopolitics, maintaining strong trade ties is considered essential by policymakers on both sides.

Trade analysts believe this visit could pave the way for renewed negotiations on a mini trade deal that has been on hold since 2020. The outcome of these talks may impact billions of dollars in bilateral trade and set the tone for future cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).

As global trade uncertainties grow, Vance’s visit signals an opportunity for the two democracies to strengthen economic collaboration while addressing longstanding trade irritants.