U.S. Vice-President JD Vance has arrived in Delhi for a four-day visit aimed at fast-tracking a long-anticipated trade agreement between the United States and India. Accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their three children, the trip blends diplomacy with personal exploration, including visits to Jaipur and the Taj Mahal.
At the core of the visit are high-level negotiations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on deepening economic ties amid a turbulent global trade landscape. The talks come as Washington’s tariff disputes intensify and alliances are tested, with India recently hit by a 26% tariff hike under President Trump’s renewed trade policies.
Both nations are working to finalize the first tranche of a trade agreement by autumn, with India already reducing tariffs on select U.S. goods. The two sides are targeting a $500 billion trade milestone, up from the current $190 billion.
However, domestic tensions in India threaten to overshadow the diplomatic push. On the day of Vance’s arrival, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), India’s largest farmers’ union, has called for nationwide protests. The group fears that agricultural liberalization could cripple incomes, especially in the dairy sector.
Immigration concerns also loom large. Indian officials are expected to raise issues over recent U.S. student visa revocations and growing uncertainty around H-1B visas, vital for Indian tech workers in the U.S. These concerns have sparked anxiety among families and professionals, with many reconsidering travel plans.
Despite these challenges, Indian officials remain optimistic. “This visit is an opportunity to reinforce our partnership and address all key issues,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
With economic cooperation and people-to-people ties at stake, Vance’s visit is seen as pivotal in navigating the complexities of trade and diplomacy in an increasingly volatile global order.
