JD Vance India Visit: Amidst Trade War, US Vice President Meets PM Modi, Check How Will India Benefit?

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance landed in India on Monday (April 21, 2025) for a four-day official tour aimed at deepening Indo-U.S. ties across trade, defence, and culture. Accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance and their three children, this marks his first visit to India since assuming office—an emotionally significant journey, given his wife’s Indian heritage.

Upon his arrival at New Delhi’s Palam Air Force Station around 9:30 AM IST, Vance was greeted with traditional Indian hospitality. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw received the dignitaries, and a Guard of Honour was presented. The Vance family soon after visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, symbolising a cultural and spiritual welcome.

Why This Visit Matters for India

Vance’s visit comes at a critical moment when the U.S. is recalibrating global trade relationships amidst its ongoing tariff standoff with China. India stands as a key strategic and economic partner in the Indo-Pacific. With trade between the two countries already surpassing $190 billion, both sides have now set their sights on doubling it to $500 billion by 2030.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussions focused on finalising a bilateral trade agreement, streamlining tariffs, and ramping up technology and defence cooperation. The talks are expected to help fast-track supply chain resilience, semiconductor collaboration, and defence production between the two democracies.

What’s On the Agenda?

Day 1 – New Delhi (April 21)

Arrival and Guard of Honour at Palam Airport

Visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

6:30 PM: Bilateral meeting with PM Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg

Official state dinner hosted by PM Modi 

Day 2 – Jaipur (April 22)

Reception by Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma and Governor

Visits to Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal

Public speech at Rajasthan International Centre on India-U.S. ties

Day 3 – Agra (April 23)

Family visit to the Taj Mahal

Tour of Shilpgram, promoting India’s handicrafts and artisans

Return to Jaipur by evening

Day 4 – Departure (April 24)

Scheduled departure at 6:40 AM IST

Vice President Vance’s visit is expected to bolster economic diplomacy, promote people-to-people connections, and strategically position India as a trusted partner amid evolving global power dynamics.