New Delhi, April 21, 2025 — United States Vice President JD Vance began his four-day official visit to India on Monday, marking a significant diplomatic outreach at a time of shifting global power dynamics and heightened US-China trade tensions.
Vice President Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their children, received a ceremonial welcome in New Delhi. The visit carries both political and personal significance, as Usha Vance traces her roots to India.
In his first major engagement, Vance held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lok Kalyan Marg. The two leaders discussed strengthening economic cooperation, with particular emphasis on trade, clean energy, and defense collaboration. Officials confirmed that the dialogue included progress on a possible bilateral trade pact, aiming to boost two-way trade to $500 billion by 2030.
“The United States sees India as a vital partner in ensuring stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” Vance said during a press briefing. “This visit reflects our shared commitment to deepening cooperation across sectors.”
Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said the discussions were “productive and forward-looking,” particularly in the areas of green energy and investment.
The backdrop of Vance’s visit is the rising tension between the U.S. and China over trade and geopolitical influence. India is being viewed in Washington as a key strategic and economic counterweight in the region. According to reports, India has indicated willingness to reduce tariffs on certain U.S. imports in a bid to avert punitive tariffs from Washington.
Another key topic on the agenda was immigration. With Indian nationals making up nearly 70% of H-1B visa holders in the U.S., the Indian government is expected to raise concerns around visa policy and seek safeguards for skilled workers.
The visit also features cultural and personal engagements. The Vance family is scheduled to visit Jaipur and Agra, and Prime Minister Modi personally wished their son Vivek a happy birthday during their meeting.
Analysts believe Vance’s India trip, his first as Vice President, sets the tone for a recalibrated Indo-U.S. partnership centered on mutual interests, economic growth, and regional security.
With Agency Inputs
