New Delhi, India – The Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, has embarked on a diplomatic mission to India in the midst of escalating trade tensions between the US and China. Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their three children, arrived in Delhi on Monday for a four-day visit that combines official discussions on a bilateral trade deal with family excursions. The Vance family received a warm welcome at the airport, where they were greeted by Indian officials and a military band playing the US anthem.
The White House has described Vance’s visit as an opportunity to focus on shared economic and geopolitical priorities, while India sees it as a chance to review the progress in bilateral relations. The discussions will revolve around expediting a trade agreement amid the ongoing global tariff disputes initiated by Washington. Despite the temporary relief provided by a 90-day pause, India remains cautious about the impact of US tariffs on its economy.
In an effort to prevent further economic repercussions, Indian officials have been working diligently to finalize the initial phase of a trade deal with the US by autumn. India has already reduced tariffs on certain American goods, with more significant reductions expected to follow. The US is currently India’s top trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $190 billion. The relationship between the two countries was bolstered by Modi’s visit to the US following Trump’s presidency, during which both leaders pledged to significantly increase bilateral trade to $500 billion.
However, not all sectors in India are in favor of deepening trade ties with the US. The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), the country’s largest farmers’ union, has voiced opposition to a potential trade deal, citing concerns about the negative impact on farm incomes, particularly in the dairy sector. Tensions also linger over issues related to student visas and H-1B visas for tech workers, further complicating the trade discussions between the two nations.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the trade negotiations, Vance’s visit to India holds personal significance as well. The Vance family plans to explore historical sites such as the royal palaces of Jaipur and the iconic Taj Mahal, underscoring Usha Vance’s Indian heritage and deep connection to the country. The trip comes at a crucial time when geopolitical alliances are shifting, and economic relations are being reassessed in the face of a changing global landscape.