US Vice President JD Vance began a four-day visit to India on Monday, where he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as both countries seek to finalize a trade deal and strengthen ties amid looming US tariff hikes.
The visit, which also includes personal elements such as a family trip to the Taj Mahal and a wedding in Jaipur, comes at a critical moment as New Delhi works to avoid steep US duties. Vance’s wife, Usha, has Indian roots, adding a personal dimension to the trip.
Vance arrived in New Delhi after visiting Rome, where he had a private audience with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday.
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On the agenda for his talks with Modi are issues outlined during the Indian leader’s February meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, including trade fairness and expanding defense cooperation. India has indicated a willingness to reduce tariffs on over half of its US imports, valued at $41.8 billion in 2024, in pursuit of a trade agreement.
Despite these efforts, the US president has criticized India over its trade policies, labeling it a “tariff abuser.”
India’s foreign ministry expressed optimism about the visit, stating it is expected to further enhance bilateral relations. The US remains India’s largest trading partner, with total trade reaching $129 billion last year, largely in India’s favor.
Officials in New Delhi are hoping to seal a trade deal within the 90-day grace period announced by Trump on April 9, temporarily pausing tariff hikes on key partners.
Vance’s trip is also being viewed as preparation for a later visit by Trump, who is expected to attend the Quad leaders’ summit hosted in India later this year.
Analysts see the timing of Vance’s visit as important, especially as US-China tensions rise and Vance takes on a more visible diplomatic role. While no formal agreements are expected during this visit, both nations aim to lay the groundwork for deeper defense cooperation, including possible deals on Javelin missiles and Stryker vehicles.
Further discussions on defense procurement are likely to continue during an upcoming visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
