US Vice President JD Vance Arrives in India with Family, First Visit in Over a Decade Signals Stronger Strategic Ties
New Delhi | April 22, 2025: In a major diplomatic development, US Vice President JD Vance landed in India on Monday for a four-day official visit, marking the first visit by a sitting US Vice President in over a decade. He is accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri Vance and their three children.
Vance, who began his international tour in Italy, was received at Palam Air Force Station by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
This visit highlights renewed momentum in US-India relations, particularly around trade negotiations and strategic cooperation. Talks are expected to focus on finalizing a bilateral trade deal, reviewing regional security, and expanding technology and economic collaboration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Vance at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg for formal talks followed by a state dinner. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will also participate.
This is Vance’s first visit to India and his second direct engagement with PM Modi, following a meeting during the AI Summit in Paris earlier this year.
The Vice President’s visit comes during a 90-day pause in US tariff policy, with India facing a 10% baseline import levy, down from the original 26% imposed under former President Trump.
The delegation includes senior representatives from the Pentagon and the US State Department, with scheduled visits to Agra and Jaipur also planned—emphasizing both cultural ties and strategic outreach.
Usha Vance, whose family hails from Andhra Pradesh, is accompanying the Vice President with their children — Ewan (7), Vivek (4), and Mirabel (2). It remains unclear whether any family visits are planned during their stay.
This visit follows the March trip of Tulsi Gabbard, now Director of National Intelligence, who participated in the Raisina Dialogue and met with Indian leadership.
The visit is expected to set the tone for further high-level exchanges in the coming months amid evolving global geopolitical shifts and economic realignments.
