Key Points
- US Vice President JD Vance begins his first official visit to India, accompanied by wife Usha Vance and their children, from April 21–24.
- The visit comes amid heightened US-India trade tensions and ongoing negotiations for a new trade agreement.
- Vance will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, with talks expected to focus on tariffs, defense cooperation, and strategic partnership.
- The itinerary includes cultural visits in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, with security heightened across the capital.
- The visit is seen as a precursor to a possible visit by US President Donald Trump later this year.
New Delhi: US Vice President JD Vance landed in New Delhi on Monday morning, marking the start of his first official visit to India. Accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Vance and their three children, Vance is on a four-day trip that blends diplomatic engagements with cultural exploration.
Upon arrival at the Air Force Station Palam around 9:30 am, Vance was welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honour and greeted by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Welcome banners were displayed across the city, and security was ramped up, with Delhi traffic advisories issued for the duration of the visit.
Strategic Talks Amid Trade Tensions
The highlight of Vance’s visit is his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for 6:30 pm at the PM’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The talks are expected to focus on:
- Progress towards a bilateral trade agreement, especially in light of the recent 26% US tariffs on Indian goods, which have been temporarily paused for 90 days.
- Strengthening defense collaboration, with discussions likely on India’s planned acquisition and co-manufacturing of US defense equipment such as Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stryker infantry combat vehicles.
- Broader strategic issues, including Indo-Pacific cooperation, global supply chain resilience, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Senior Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra, are expected to join the talks.
Cultural and Family-Focused Itinerary
Vance’s visit is notable for its strong personal and cultural elements. The Vice President, his wife Usha (whose ancestral roots trace back to Andhra Pradesh), and their children will also experience India’s heritage:
- Delhi: Visits to the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple and a local handicrafts market are planned before the official dinner hosted by PM Modi.
- Jaipur (April 22): The family will tour iconic sites including Amer Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar. Vance is scheduled to address diplomats and policy experts at the Rajasthan International Centre, focusing on the trajectory of India-US relations under the Trump administration.
- Agra (April 23): The itinerary includes a visit to the Taj Mahal and Shilpgram, an open-air crafts emporium, before returning to Jaipur.
The Vances are staying at premier hotels, including the ITC Maurya Sheraton in Delhi and the historic Rambagh Palace in Jaipur.
Visit’s Broader Significance
Vance’s trip comes at a crucial time for US-India relations, with both sides eager to resolve trade disputes and deepen strategic ties amid global economic uncertainty and US-China tensions. The visit also sets the stage for a potential summit later this year, which may include US President Donald Trump and other Quad leaders.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as a testament to the strength of the India-US Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership and expressed optimism about further boosting bilateral ties.
Vance and his family will depart India from Jaipur on the morning of April 24, concluding a visit that blends high-level diplomacy with personal and cultural engagement
