New Delhi: United States Vice President JD Vance commenced a four-day visit to India on Monday, 21 April 2025, during which New Delhi aims to finalize an early trade agreement and mitigate potential US tariffs. This visit follows discussions held two months ago between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump at the White House.

Upon arrival, Vice President Vance received a warm welcome characterized by a red carpet reception, an honor guard, and traditional folk dancers, as he stepped out into the warm climate of New Delhi. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Modi, and the itinerary also includes a visit to Agra, the city renowned for the Taj Mahal.

Accompanying the Vice President are his family members, including his wife Usha, who is the daughter of Indian immigrants. Indian broadcasters have referred to this visit as "semi-private." Both leaders are expected to assess the progress of bilateral relations and exchange perspectives on regional and global matters of shared interest, according to a statement from India's foreign ministry last week.

The United States and India are currently engaged in negotiations regarding the initial phase of a trade deal, which New Delhi hopes to finalize within the 90-day suspension of tariffs announced by President Trump earlier this month.

Upon his arrival, Vice President Vance was greeted at the airport by Ashwini Vaishnaw, a senior official in Prime Minister Modi's administration.