KKN Gurugram Desk | On Monday, April 21, 2025, US Vice President JD Vance arrived in New Delhi for a three-day official visit, accompanied by his wife, Usha, and their three children. This marks Vance’s first trip to India, where he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss various bilateral issues, including trade relations between the United States and India. Although discussions on trade agreements will be a central aspect of the visit, the main focus will be on cultural exchanges and exploring India’s rich history and tourism destinations.

This journey also serves as an opportunity for Vance’s children—Ivan, Vivek, and Mirabel—to connect with Indian culture. Usha Vance, whose roots trace back to India, is expected to play an important role in introducing her children to their Indian heritage during the tour.

Meeting with Prime Minister Modi and Official Dinner

During his visit, the major event on Vance’s itinerary will be a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The primary agenda for their discussion will include strengthening the bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Sources indicate that the meeting will also touch upon various other matters, including geopolitical concerns and strategic partnerships. After the meeting, Vance will attend an official dinner hosted at the Prime Minister’s residence. Several senior leaders, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and top officials of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are expected to attend the event.

However, due to a delay in Vance’s arrival in Delhi, several other scheduled meetings with political leaders were called off. Prime Minister Modi will also be away on a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia from April 22-23, limiting his availability.

Upon arriving in New Delhi, Vance and his family will be given a ceremonial Guard of Honour. After some rest, they are scheduled to visit a local handicraft and textile showroom in the capital, where they will explore and shop for Indian art and crafts, further immersing themselves in the cultural experience.

Keywords: JD Vance meeting Modi, official dinner, S. Jaishankar, Guard of Honour, cultural exploration, New Delhi visit.

Vance’s India Visit: Part of a Broader Two-Nation Tour

JD Vance’s visit to India is part of a two-nation tour, with the first leg starting in Italy on April 18, 2025. This is Vance’s first official visit to India as Vice President. Earlier in February, Vance and Prime Minister Modi met during the AI Action Summit in Paris, where they discussed various global and regional issues. The discussions during this visit are expected to cover ongoing negotiations regarding the US-India trade deal, with a particular focus on retaliatory tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. These tariffs have been temporarily suspended until July, and Vance’s meetings will likely focus on finding a resolution to these issues.

Strategic Partnership Discussion and Global Issues

During his visit, discussions will also center on the growing global strategic partnership between India and the United States. According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randheer Jaiswal, the visit will cover “all relevant issues,” underscoring the wide-ranging nature of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The India-US relationship has been expanding over the years, covering areas such as defense, technology, trade, and regional security.

In addition to bilateral issues, Vance’s visit will also review the progress made since the joint statement issued on February 13, 2025. The two leaders will discuss various regional and global developments, as well as the way forward for enhancing cooperation across sectors like defense, energy, and education.

Vance’s Family Tour to Jaipur and Agra

After his dinner with Prime Minister Modi, Vance and his family will head to Jaipur, Rajasthan, for a cultural exploration. On April 22, the family will be welcomed by the Governor and Chief Minister of Rajasthan, who will host them for an official reception. The day will include visits to some of Rajasthan’s most iconic landmarks, including the Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, and the Hawa Mahal.

Later, in the afternoon, Vance will deliver a speech at the Rajasthan International Center, where he will engage with political and business leaders in the region. On April 23, the Vance family will travel to Agra to visit the world-renowned Taj Mahal, one of India’s most famous cultural and tourist destinations..

Previous High-Level Visits: Tulsi Gabbard and International Travel

Before JD Vance’s visit, former US Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard had visited India in March 2025. Gabbard, who was the first cabinet minister from the Trump administration to visit India, participated in the Security Conclave and the Raisina Dialogue, where she addressed key geopolitical issues facing India and the United States.

Vance’s current trip marks his third international visit as Vice President. Previously, in February, Vance traveled to Paris and Munich, where he criticized European countries on issues related to freedom of expression and defense spending. In March 2025, he visited Greenland with his wife and Representative Waltz, but their trip was met with a cold reception due to the Trump administration’s desire to control the territory.

JD Vance’s visit to India reflects the growing and multifaceted relationship between the United States and India. His trip aims to further strengthen ties between the two countries, especially in the areas of trade, security, and cultural exchange. As both nations continue to grow their global strategic partnership, Vance’s visit presents an opportunity for deepening cooperation on numerous fronts, from business and tourism to geopolitical matters.