U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance Begins Four-Day Visit to India, Set to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in New Delhi on Monday morning for a four-day official visit to India. Accompanied by his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance, their three children, and a high-level delegation including National Security Council Senior Director for South and Central Asia Ricky Gill, Vice President Vance was welcomed with an official guard of honour upon landing. His visit marks the first high-level U.S. engagement with India since the new administration took office in Washington.

Later this evening, Mr. Vance is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a formal dinner, where key members of the Indian Cabinet will also be present. Officials on both sides anticipate the announcement of the TRUST (Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) partnership—a rebranded version of the iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) launched under the Biden administration. The initiative is expected to enhance collaboration on emerging technologies, defense, and digital infrastructure.

Vice President Vance will also deliver a policy address on Tuesday at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, outlining the administration’s vision for India-U.S. relations in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. However, the visit comes amid domestic political pushback, with the Congress party questioning India’s silence on U.S. deportation policies and concerns over the erosion of the WTO’s multilateral trading system. Additionally, farmer groups such as AIKS have announced protests during the Vice President’s visit.