JD Vance’s India Visit: Deepening Ties

Chandan Kumar Nath 

(chandankumarnath7236@gmail.com)

On April 21, 2025, Unit- ed States Vice President JD Vance arrived in New Delhi for a four-day official visit, marking his first trip to India since assuming office in January 2025. Accompanied by his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, their three children, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel, and a delegation of senior US officials, Vance’s visit blends high-level diplomacy with cultural engagement. The visit, spanning Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, comes at a critical juncture as India and the US navigate a complex global trade landscape, intensified by President Donald Trump’s recent tariff policies. Vance’s arrival at Delhi’s Palam airport was marked by a ceremonial Guard of Honour and traditional dance performances, with Union Minister of Railways and Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw receiving the delegation. The Vance children, dressed in traditional Indian attire – kurta-pyjamas for the boys and an anarkali suit for Mirabel – captured attention, symbolising the personal and cultural ties that underpin the visit. Usha Vance, whose parents hail from Andhra Pradesh, adds a significant Indian-American dimension to the trip, reinforcing the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in US politics.

The family’s first stop was the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Delhi, a sprawling architectural marvel that left a lasting impression. Vance praised the temple’s precision and beauty in the guest book, noting, “Our kids, in particular, loved it. God bless.” The family also visited the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, purchasing traditional handicrafts, and engaged in cultural exchanges that resonated with Indian audiences. These activities, while personal, carry diplomatic weight, showcasing India’s rich heritage to a global audience and fostering goodwill. The cornerstone of Vance’s visit was his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 21 at Modi’s residence in Lok Kalyan Marg. The closed-door discussions, followed by a private dinner hosted by Modi, focused on deepening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, defence, and energy, building on Modi’s February 2025 visit to Washington, where he met President Trump. Modi presented the Vance children with peacock feathers, a gesture symbolising India’s national pride and warmth. A key agenda was the ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, critical amid Trump’s imposition of a 26% tariff on Indian goods, in addition to an existing 10% tariff. These “reciprocal” tariffs, currently on a 90-day pause, have heightened the urgency to finalise a “win-win” deal. Modi and Vance hailed “significant progress” in the talks, with Vance’s office announcing the finalisation of the Terms of Reference for negotiations. Indian officials emphasised that any agreement must address India’s concerns, particularly in agriculture and technology sectors, while US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer highlighted the “serious lack of reciprocity” in current trade ties. Sector-specific discussions are slated to continue in Washington, signalling a pragmatic approach to resolving trade frictions.

The visit also addressed broader strategic issues. With Delhi hosting the Quad summit later in 2025, where Trump is expected to attend, Vance’s trip lays the groundwork for enhanced cooperation among the Quad nations (US, India, Japan, and Australia). National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar joined the discussions, underscoring the multifaceted nature of India-US ties. Former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu described the visit as “significant”, noting its timing at the start of Trump’s second term and its potential to sort out trade and strategic issues. On April 22, Vance and his family travelled to Jaipur, staying at the historic Rambagh Palace. Their visit to the Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was warmly received by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari. Vance delivered a key policy speech on US-India relations at the Rajasthan International Centre, emphasising the shared democratic values and strategic convergence between the two nations. The speech addressed international issues, including the US’s “America First” foreign policy, which Vance has championed, and its implications for India. The delegation’s itinerary includes a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra on April 23, followed by a return to Jaipur to explore the City Palace. These cultural engagements, while seemingly personal, align with India’s soft power strategy, showcasing its historical and architectural grandeur to global leaders. Vance’s visit to Agra also coincides with a family wedding in Jaipur, adding a personal dimension that resonates with Indian audiences and highlights Usha Vance’s cultural roots.

Despite the positive tone, the visit faced challenges. In Haryana, farmers under the All India Kisan Sabha burnt Vance’s effigy, protesting perceived anti-farmer US trade policies. The demonstration reflects broader concerns about lowering agricultural tariffs, which could impact Indian farmers. Additionally, visa issues for Indian tech workers, a longstanding point of contention, were likely raised, though Indian officials remained tight-lipped. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that “all relevant issues” were discussed, suggesting a comprehensive dialogue. Vance’s visit underscores the resilience of India-US ties amid global uncertainties, including the US-China trade war and geopolitical tensions. India’s status as a Major Defence Partner, with Strategic Trade Authorization-1, positions it as a key ally in the Indo-Pacific. The visit aligns with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and the US’ Make America Great Again agenda, creating opportunities for collaboration in technology, defence co-production, and clean energy. However , challenges remain. Trump’s tariff threats and the US’s push for greater market access could strain negotiations. India’s high tariffs, which Trump has labelled a “tariff king”, complicate the path to a balanced trade deal. Vance’s assertive foreign policy stance, evident in his past interactions, such as the public spat with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggests a tough negotiating posture. Yet, the personal rapport between Modi and Trump, coupled with Vance’s familial ties to India, offers a foundation for constructive dialogue.

JD Vance’s visit to India, concluding on April 24, 2025, is a pivotal moment in India-US relations. By blending diplomacy with cultural immersion, the visit strengthens bilateral ties while addressing pressing trade and strategic issues. As India and the US navigate a turbulent global landscape, Vance’s trip signals a commitment to deepening their partnership, with implications for trade, defence, and regional stability. The warm exchanges, from peacock feathers to palace tours, reflect a shared optimism for a robust future, even as both nations work to balance domestic priorities with global ambitions.