US Vice President JD Vance begins first India visit, to meet PM Modi amid push for trade deal

US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Delhi on Monday, beginning a four-day official visit to India aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and pushing forward critical trade negotiations. This is Vance’s first official trip to India since assuming office.

Accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—the vice president was welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour at the airport. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw received the US delegation, marking the start of a high-profile diplomatic engagement.

Vance’s visit comes at a time when both nations are seeking to finalize a much-anticipated trade deal, even as tensions simmer over new US tariffs that could impact Indian exports. Talks between Vance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to center around trade, defense cooperation, and regional security issues.

Apart from official meetings, the US Vice President’s itinerary includes cultural engagements across Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. His children were seen embracing Indian tradition, dressed in ethnic wear at their arrival—a gesture warmly received by onlookers.

Security has been tightened in Delhi ahead of the visit, with heavy deployments around key venues. Senior officials from the Pentagon and the US State Department are accompanying Vance, underlining the significance Washington places on its relationship with New Delhi.

Vance’s trip is seen as part of broader efforts to cement ties between the world’s two largest democracies, particularly against the backdrop of shifting global trade dynamics and increasing Indo-Pacific cooperation.