U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi touted progress in talks for a trade deal between the two countries, their offices said on Monday, as New Delhi rushes to avoid U.S.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has begun a four-day tour of India as the two countries seek to strengthen their partnership by negotiating a bilateral trade deal.

Vance, on a four-day visit to India, said he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi made progress on trade talks during their discussions on Monday, and confirmed that both sides had finalized the terms of reference for the trade negotiation — a vital step towards setting the road map for the final agreement.