JD Vance visits India aimed at strengthening trade ties amid global tensions

Department of Research, Studies and International News 21-04-2025

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has arrived in New Delhi for a four-day visit focused on advancing trade negotiations with India. The visit comes at a crucial time, as the U.S. intensifies its tariff disputes with China and seeks to reinforce key economic partnerships worldwide.

Accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel, Vance was received with a ceremonial welcome led by Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. A military band played the American national anthem while troops saluted the delegation under a shaded canopy, symbolizing the significance of the high-level visit.

According to the White House, the primary objective of Vance’s visit is to align both nations on shared economic and strategic goals. Indian officials echoed this, noting that the visit presents an opportunity to review bilateral progress and push forward a potential trade agreement.

One of the main focuses of the trip is to accelerate discussions on a trade pact that both nations hope to finalize by autumn. Recent tensions between India and the U.S. emerged after Washington, under former President Donald Trump, imposed 26% tariffs on Indian goods. Although a temporary 90-day suspension of these tariffs has provided some breathing room, Indian authorities remain cautious.

To ease trade frictions, New Delhi has already begun lowering tariffs on selected American imports, with more reductions anticipated. The United States is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $190 billion. Both nations have expressed ambitions to more than double that figure, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi branding the goal a “mega partnership.”

However, not everyone is on board. As Vance landed in Delhi, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), the country’s most prominent farmers’ union, launched protests against the proposed trade deal. AIKS, which has over 16 million members, argues that greater market liberalization, especially in the dairy sector, could severely affect rural livelihoods. The union has accused U.S. officials of exerting pressure on India to include its subsidized agricultural industry in the agreement.

Immigration issues have also emerged as a flashpoint. Concerns are growing over the treatment of Indian students and professionals in the U.S. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh cited data showing that half of the 327 recently revoked student visas involved Indian nationals, with no clear justification offered. The American Immigration Lawyers Association has raised alarms about a rising pattern of scrutiny targeting international students and H-1B visa holders, many of whom are Indian tech professionals.

Despite the tensions, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed optimism, stating that Vance’s visit is expected to enhance diplomatic and economic collaboration. All key concerns, including trade and immigration, are slated for discussion.

While the visit is primarily political, it also has a personal touch. The Vance family plans to tour historic Indian landmarks such as the palaces of Jaipur and the Taj Mahal. This private component highlights Usha Vance’s Indian heritage and adds a cultural dimension to the diplomatic mission.