US Vice President J.D. Vance Visits India, Meets PM Modi to Boost Bilateral Trade and Strategic Ties
In the first high-level visit from the United States since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a four-day official tour, signaling a renewed push to strengthen India-US ties.
This visit is especially significant against the backdrop of recent shifts in US trade policy and the paused imposition of new tariffs by the Trump administration.
Vice President Vance held detailed discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with both leaders highlighting the substantial progress made in ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement (BTA).
The agreement, which both sides envision as a “new and modern” framework, aims to promote economic welfare, job creation, and robust supply-chain integration.
Trade Agreement Gains Momentum
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) emphasized the positive strides in talks and described the negotiations as “mutually beneficial.”
Echoing this, the White House released a statement announcing the finalization of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the BTA, laying a detailed roadmap for continued discussions in key sectors, including tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and services.
Describing the BTA as a “historic opportunity,” the US administration said it aims to foster inclusive economic growth in both countries.
The agreement will align with India’s vision of “Amrit Kaal” and the US aspiration of a “Golden Age for America,” focusing on the upliftment of workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
To capitalize on the 90-day window of the current pause in tariff implementation, Indian trade officials led by Additional Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal will travel to the US starting April 23 to outline a realistic action plan toward an interim pact.
The deal currently involves 19 negotiating chapters, covering a wide spectrum of trade-related issues, including rules of origin and customs cooperation.
Beyond Trade: Strategic and Regional Dialogue
While trade remained a central theme, the two leaders also reviewed broader aspects of the India-US partnership, particularly cooperation in energy, defense, and cutting-edge technologies.
They discussed current global challenges, reaffirming their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, particularly in conflict zones such as Ukraine and the Middle East.
The PMO noted that the visit served as a valuable platform to assess progress since Prime Minister Modi’s January meeting with President Trump in Washington, during which they laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation under the banners of MAGA (Make America Great Again) and Viksit Bharat 2047.
The White House also expressed appreciation for India’s hospitality, highlighting that Vance was accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children — Ewan (7), Vivek (5), and Mirabel (3). The Prime Minister hosted the Vance family for dinner at his official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg following bilateral and extended delegation meetings.
Social Media Diplomacy
Both leaders shared their thoughts online after the meeting. PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Pleased to welcome US @VP @JDVance and his family in New Delhi. We reviewed the fast-paced progress following my visit to the US and meeting with President Trump. We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, technology, defence, energy, and people-to-people exchanges. India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership will be a defining partnership of the 21st Century for a better future of our people and the world.”
Vance responded:
“It was an honor to see Prime Minister Modi this evening. He’s a great leader and he was incredibly kind to my family. I look forward to working under President Trump’s leadership to strengthen our friendship and cooperation with the people of India!”
Rare and Significant Visit
Vice-presidential visits from the US to India are rare. The last such visit was by Joe Biden in 2013 under President Barack Obama. Before that, George H.W. Bush visited in 1984 and Hubert Humphrey in 1966, making Vance’s visit historically significant in the evolving diplomatic landscape.
Cultural and Public Diplomacy Agenda
The Vice President’s visit is also rich in cultural outreach. Upon arrival at Palam Airbase, Vance was welcomed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The Vance children, dressed in traditional Indian attire — the boys in kurta-pyjama and Mirabel in a lehenga — charmed onlookers following a ceremonial guard of honor.
The family departed for Jaipur on Monday night and checked into the Rambagh Palace, once a royal guesthouse and now a luxury heritage hotel. On Tuesday, the family is expected to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Amer Fort.
Vice President Vance is also scheduled to deliver an address at the Rajasthan International Centre, reflecting on the growing partnership between India and the US.
On Wednesday, the family will travel to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, before returning to Jaipur the same evening and flying back to the US on April 24.
Senior American officials, including representatives from the Pentagon, State Department, and National Security Council, are accompanying Vance. Among them is Ricky Gill, a senior NSC director, who will participate in a Track-II dialogue — the India-US Forum, jointly organized by the Ananta Aspen Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs.
This visit marks a significant chapter in India-US relations, laying a foundation not only for economic agreements but also for deepening ties in defense, technology, and shared democratic values.
