India is preparing to flag key concerns, including trade tariffs, student visa rejections, and the slow pace of technology sharing, during US Vice-President JD Vance’s maiden visit to the country, which begins Monday. The four-day trip will see Vance engage in high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top Indian officials.
Vance is accompanied by his Indian-origin wife, Usha Vance, and their three children. His visit comes shortly after former US President Donald Trump imposed—and later paused—broad tariffs affecting nearly 60 countries, including India.
Trade and Mobility on the Table
India and the US are currently in talks to finalise a bilateral trade agreement that could smooth out several long-pending issues, including market access and tariff structures. A second round of virtual trade negotiations is scheduled for this week, with an in-person meeting planned for May.
Sources say India will raise the rejection of visas for genuine Indian students—an issue considered a domestic US matter—because it remains a concern for thousands of aspirants. The issue of legal mobility had previously been discussed during PM Modi’s February meeting with then-President Trump in Washington DC. A joint statement from that meeting had promised the creation of “secure and mutually advantageous mobility frameworks” for students and professionals.
Technology Sharing a Strategic Priority
Another major focus will be the delayed progress in technology sharing under the India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). Launched in 2022, the initiative is jointly chaired by India’s NSA Ajit Doval and newly appointed US NSA Michael Waltz. iCET is aimed at enhancing cooperation in critical sectors like AI, telecommunications, defence, and space.
Despite its strategic significance, Indian officials feel that progress has been slower than expected and hope to accelerate outcomes during Vance’s visit.
Cultural Diplomacy and Warm Hospitality
Following Monday’s talks, PM Modi is expected to host a dinner in honour of Vance and his wife. The dinner will be attended by key officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
The Vice-President and his family will arrive at the Palam airbase at 10 am on Monday. Their itinerary includes visits to Delhi’s Swaminarayan Akshardham temple and a traditional crafts market. A senior Union Cabinet Minister will officially receive them.
Later that evening, the family will travel to Jaipur. Their visit includes a tour of the majestic Amer Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and other historical landmarks in Rajasthan.
Vance’s visit is seen as an opportunity to reinforce Indo-US ties at a time when both countries are navigating complex global and domestic challenges, from trade tensions to technological alignment.
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