NEW DELHI, April 20, (AP): US Vice President JD Vance will embark on a four-day visit to India on Monday as the two countries seek to unlock economic opportunities and negotiate a bilateral trade deal. Vance will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi for talks on the economy, trade and geopolitical ties.

Vance’s visit is seen as an important diplomatic mission by President Donald Trump’s administration, and it coincides with a rapidly intensifying trade war between Washington and Beijing, which is New Delhi's main rival in the region. A trade deal between India and the US could significantly enhance economic ties between the two countries and potentially strengthen diplomatic ties.

The US is also India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at $190 billion until recently. India’s foreign ministry has said the visit will "provide an opportunity for both sides to review the progress in bilateral relations” and two leaders will "exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.”

Vance’s arrival in India comes weeks after Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was in India for a geopolitical conference and two months after Modi met Trump in Washington. Modi was among the first leaders to visit the US and hold talks with Trump after he returned to the White House. During his visit, Modi hailed a "mega partnership” with the US and kickstarted a negotiation process to minimise the possible fallout of Trump’s tariffs after it had already cut tariffs on a range of US goods.

Regardless, Trump targeted India with a 26% levy as part of his now-paused tariff programme, which has provided temporary relief for Indian exporters. During his visit, Modi sought to soften impending trade barriers by saying he was open to reducing more tariffs on U.S. goods, repatriating undocumented Indian nationals and buying military gear.

The two countries also agreed to start talks towards clinching the bilateral trade agreement. Modi on Friday said he spoke with Elon Musk and said he and the SpaceX CEO "discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation,” saying "India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains.”