JD Vance India Visit: What is Vance’s Indian agenda?

Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance and children Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel. File Photos | Image Source: AP

U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in India on Monday (April 21, 2025) for a four-day visit to strengthen bilateral relations, advance trade negotiations and reconnect with family’s Indian roots.

This was the first time Mr. Vance had been accompanying him for his official visit to India since his tenure. The four-day trip, including diplomatic wars and cultural exploration, highlights the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.

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Upon arrival, Vice President Vance and his family were welcomed in traditional Indian dance performances at Param Airport. They began visiting the Akshadham Temple, reflecting the fusion of diplomatic and cultural goals of the trip.

Trade negotiations in tariff tensions

Mr. Vance’s visit was at a critical moment as both countries tried to finalize a bilateral trade agreement. His timing of visit to India is important because it happened when the United States had a trade war with China and the Washington global economic alliance was instability. Since the United States is India’s largest trading partner, the two countries aim to increase their trade sales to $500 billion by 2030. Discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to focus on lowering tariffs and strengthening cooperation in the defense and technology sectors.

What is his agenda?

Day 1: April 21 – New Delhi

• Arrive and welcome: The Vance family arrived at the Param Air Force Station in New Delhi at about 9:30 am. They were received by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and received the honorary guard of the ceremony. ​
• Cultural Visit: After they arrived, the family visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple, reflecting their interest in India’s rich cultural heritage. ​
• Diplomatic participation: At 6:30 pm IST, Vice President Vance met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter’s official residence (Lok Kalyan Marg 7). The discussion centers on strengthening economic, trade and defense cooperation, focusing on completing bilateral trade agreements in the context of a moratorium on U.S. tariffs.
• Official dinner: After the meeting, Prime Minister Modi held a formal dinner to commemorate Vice President Vance and his delegation. ​

Day 2: April 22 – Jaipur

• Arrive in Jaipur: The Vance family will travel to Jaipur, Rajasthan Chief Minister, Bhajanlal Sharma and the governor welcome them.
• Cultural Exploration: The itinerary for the day included a visit to Ajmer Fort, Jantar Mantar, City Palace and Hawa Mahal, showing the architectural wonders of Rajasthan. ​
• Public address: Vice President Vance will give a speech on India-US relations at the Rajasthan International Centre, attended by diplomats, officials, scholars and policy experts. ​

Day 3: April 23 – Agra

• Visit the Taj Mausoleum: The Vance family will visit the iconic Taj Mahal, symbolizing India’s long history and cultural heritage. ​
• Shilpgram Exploration: They will also visit Shilpgram, an open-air craft market that highlights the handmade traditions of India. ​
• Return to Jaipur: After visiting Agra, the family will return to Jaipur for the night.

Day 4: April 24 – Departure

• The conclusion of the visit: Vice President Vance and his family plan to leave India at 6:40 a.m. to end their four-day visit.

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The visit highlighted the importance of U.S.-India relations in the Indo-Pacific region. As members of the Quad Alliance, both countries are keen to strengthen strategic cooperation to balance regional challenges. Vance’s discussions with Indian leaders are expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration in areas such as energy, defense and technology.