US Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in New Delhi on Monday, 21 April 2025. This will be his first official visit to India since assuming office. Accompanied by his Indian-origin wife, Usha Vance, their children, and senior members of the US administration, Vance’s four-day trip is poised to be a turning point of India-US relations. The visit is set against the backdrop of escalating global trade tensions and the Trump administration’s assertive tariff policies.
Upon arrival at Palam Airport, Vance and his family were greeted with a ceremonial Guard of Honour and a traditional Indian welcome by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. After official engagements in Delhi, the Vance family will visit Jaipur and Agra, including iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal and Amer Palace, reflecting both personal and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
High-Level Talks with Prime Minister Modi
The main agenda of Vance’s visit is his formal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 6:30 pm on Monday at the Prime Minister’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The discussions are expected to focus on:
Finalisation of a bilateral trade agreement before the July deadline, a move aimed at averting steep new tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump.
Strengthening economic, trade, and defence cooperation, building on the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Reviewing progress on the bilateral agenda set during Modi’s February visit to Washington, including “fairness” in mutual trade and enhanced defence collaboration.
Exchanging views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, especially in light of the US-China trade war and the evolving Indo-Pacific security architecture.
President Trump has announced a sweeping tariff regime—currently paused for 90 days—which, if enacted, could see tariffs on Indian exports to the US rise from 10% to 26%. India, which enjoys a substantial trade surplus with the US ($45.7 billion in 2024), is keen to finalise a trade deal to avoid these punitive measures. Reports indicate that India is open to slashing tariffs on over half of its US imports, worth $41.8 billion last year, as part of the evolving trade package.
Ministry of External Affairs: “A Further Boost to Our Ties”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has underscored the significance of the visit. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated:
“This is an Official Visit. He will be meeting the Prime Minister. And with the United States of America, we have a Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership. So, when you have that level of partnership with any country, obviously you will discuss all relevant issues. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to review the progress in bilateral relations and the implementation of the outcomes of the India-US Joint Statement issued on 13 February 2025 during the visit of the Prime Minister to the US. The two sides will also exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.”
Indo-US Partnership in a Changing World
The US is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $129 billion in 2024. The current negotiations and Vance’s visit are seen as critical steps in not only resolving immediate trade disputes but also in charting a course for a deeper, more resilient partnership amid shifting global dynamics.
As both nations navigate the complexities of global trade wars, defence collaboration, and regional security, J.D. Vance’s visit signals a shared commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and the pursuit of mutual interests at the highest levels.
