US V-P JD Vance arrives in India, to hold talks with PM Modi amid US tariff war

Indian Express

21-04-2025

US Vice-President J D Vance landed in Delhi Monday morning, along with his family, for a four-day visit, and is expected to discuss issues related to tariffs and the bilateral trade deal during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to sources, Vance is expected to press India on the issue of buying US defence equipment
Vance, who is travelling with his Indian-origin wife Usha Vance and three children, was received by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the Palam airport. PM Modi will host a dinner for the US vice-president later in the day.
'A very warm welcome to @VP JD Vance, @SLOTUS Mrs. Usha Vance, & the U.S. delegation to India! … The Official Visit (21–24 Apr) spanning Delhi, Jaipur & Agra is expected to further deepen the India–U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,' Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), posted on X.
Vance, wife Usha, and their three children — Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel — landed at the Palam airbase.
The US vice-president and Second lady walked down the stairs of Air Force 2 at 9.50 am, holding hands and without their children. While Vance wore a blue suit and red tie, Usha Vance emerged in a long, sleeveless coral dress, and at some point soon after reaching the bottom of the steps, had draped a white blazer over her shoulders.
While Vance was accorded the ceremonial guard of honour, Usha Vance watched on. Their children emerged from the plane: the boys in kurtas and Mirabel in a lehenga. The family then went towards dancers, who were on a small platform, briefly watched them, and posed for some photos.
Vance did not stop to talk, but said, 'Hey guys, good morning,' as he walked by the US press pool. He picked up Mirabel, and the family continued walking out of sight.
According to sources, Vance is accompanied by senior officials, including those from the Pentagon and the State Department. National Security Council Senior Director Ricky Gill, who is a senior official from the White House, has also come.
Vance's first visit to India after assuming office as V-P comes in the backdrop of the sweeping tariff regime announced by US President Donald Trump, which has been paused for 90 days, against most countries, including India.
New Delhi and Washington are holding negotiations to seal a bilateral trade agreement that is expected to address a range of issues, including tariffs and market access.
Hours after arriving in Delhi, Vance and his family visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in the Capital.
Later in the evening, at 6.30 pm, Vance will meet PM Modi at the his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence for official talks. The focus of the meeting is likely to be on early finalisation of the proposed bilateral trade pact as well as ways to boost the overall trajectory of ties between the two countries, sources said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra are expected to be part of the Indian team to be led by Modi, sources said.
Following the talks, Modi will host Vance, his family, and the accompanying US officials for dinner.
Later on Monday night, Vance and his family are scheduled to leave for Jaipur, where they are set to stay at the Rambagh Palace, a luxury hotel that once served as a royal guesthouse.
On Tuesday, they are likely to visit some historical sites, including the Amer Fort which is a Unesco world heritage site. In the afternoon, Vance is scheduled to address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, sources said.
On Wednesday morning, the US vice-president and his family are expected to travel to Agra, where they will visit the Taj Mahal. They are also scheduled to go to Shilpgram, an open air emporium showcasing various Indian artefacts. They are expected to return to Jaipur the same evening.
Vance and his family will then leave for the US from Jaipur on Thursday, April 24.