US Vice President JD Vance is set to leave on a diplomatic visit to Italy and India this week as US-India ties take another huge leap forward, the White House confirmed yesterday, April 16. Together with his wife, Usha Vance, the Vice President has lined up Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for meeting as he stops in New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. The trip, termed “largely private,” comes after previous delays to Vance’s scheduled visit to India, which was initially planned for March.
This visit takes place at a very crucial moment, as it coincides with the expected arrival of US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. He will be meeting Indian officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Waltz is also scheduled to address the Indo-US Forum in New Delhi. Later this year, US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth will visit India ahead of President Donald Trump’s anticipated attendance at the Quad Summit, further underlining the rising diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
🚨NEW:@VP JD Vance and @SLOTUS will visit Italy and India this week. pic.twitter.com/UYqTfNlvGt
— Taylor Van Kirk (@VPPressSec) April 16, 2025
The diplomatic effort is in line with India’s efforts to seal a trade agreement with the US. As per India’s Trade Secretary Sunil Barthwal, there has been considerable progress in the trade negotiations, which seek to lower both tariff and non-tariff barriers. Talks, encompassing virtual discussions, are set to keep going up to mid-May, with an objective of sealing the agreement by year-end 2025. The $500 billion bilateral trade goal for 2030 continues to be at the heart of these talks.
The visit of Vance is part of a wider strategy to deepen US-India relations in a period of increasing economic and geopolitical cooperation. The trade agreement can potentially deepen US-India cooperation, with possibilities for both countries to expand their economic ties.
