New Delhi (TDI): US Vice President JD Vance arrived in India on Monday for a four-day visit that combines personal engagements with key diplomatic objectives, as Washington and New Delhi look to advance trade talks and deepen defense collaboration.
Vance held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accelerate efforts toward finalizing a bilateral trade agreement within the 90-day timeline set by President Donald Trump on April 9.
The temporary pause on planned US tariff hikes for major partners, including India, has added urgency to the negotiations.
Though the trip includes personal stops like a tour of the Taj Mahal and attendance at a wedding in Jaipur, it comes at a strategically important time.
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The two sides are likely to assess the progress made since Modi’s February meeting with President Trump in Washington, with an emphasis on ensuring fairness in trade practices and strengthening defense collaboration.
India had a $45.7 billion trade surplus with the United Staes in 2024. Reports show that New Delhi is ready to slashing tariffs on more than half of US items it imports, which were valued at $41.8 billion in 2024.
However, President Trump has repeatedly criticized the policies of Indian government, terming India a “tariff abuser” and the “tariff king.”
While no formal deals are likely during Vance’s visit, officials indicate it aims to lay the groundwork for future agreements.
Potential areas of collaboration include a defense cooperation framework and joint production of American weapons systems like Stryker combat vehicles and Javelin anti-tank missiles.
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Analysts view Vance’s visit as an indication of New Delhi’s growing significance in the US Indo-Pacific strategy, especially in the context of rising tensions with China.
The visit is also seen as a precursor to President Trump’s anticipated tour to India later this year for the Quad summit, which includes the United States, India, Japan, and Australia.
