Vance Arrives in India, Will Meet Modi for Talks Under Shadow of US Tariffs

Delhi Said to Be Open to Cutting Tariffs on More Than Half of Its Imports From US

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NEW DELHI - US Vice-President J.D. Vance began a four-day visit to India on April 21 and will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as New Delhi rushes to avoid steep US tariffs with an early trade deal and boost ties with the Trump administration.

Their discussions will cover the first day of Mr. Vance's largely personal visit to the country with his family, which includes visiting the Taj Mahal and attending a wedding in the city of Jaipur, people familiar with the matter said.

His wife Usha is the daughter of Indian immigrants.

Mr. Vance landed at New Delhi's Palam airport on April 21 following a visit to Rome, where he was granted an audience with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday.

Mr. Modi and Mr. Vance are expected to review progress made on the bilateral agenda outlined in February when the Indian leader met President Donald Trump in Washington. It includes "fairness" in their two-way trade and growing their defense partnership.