US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance will visit India later this month, according to reports. This will be his second foreign trip as Vice President. Previously, he traveled to France and Germany in February.
Vance Criticized European Governments
Last month, Vance spoke at the Munich Security Conference. He strongly criticized European leaders for stifling free speech, interfering in elections, and failing to manage illegal immigration. As a result, his remarks deepened tensions between Washington and its European allies.
Usha Vance’s First Trip as Second Lady
Meanwhile, Usha Vance will visit India for the first time as Second Lady. Since her parents originally moved to the US from India, this trip holds personal significance for her.
India-US Trade Tensions Escalate
At the same time, Vance’s visit comes amid rising trade tensions between India and the US. Recently, President Donald Trump claimed that India agreed to remove tariffs on American imports. He insisted that his administration exposed what he called unfair trade practices.
Shortly after making this claim, Trump imposed new reciprocal tariffs on India. These measures will take effect on April 2. However, India quickly denied making any commitments on tariff reductions. On Monday, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal told a parliamentary panel that trade negotiations were still ongoing and that no final deal had been reached.
India and US Discuss Trade Deal
On Tuesday, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada confirmed that India and the US were actively negotiating a trade deal. Specifically, both nations aim to improve market access, lower import duties, and address non-tariff barriers. Their goal is to strengthen supply chains and enhance economic ties.
Indian Lawmakers Question Trump’s Statement
Meanwhile, Trump’s comments sparked intense debate in India’s Parliament. Opposition leaders strongly criticized the Modi government, accusing it of giving in to US pressure. In response, Congress members demanded a clear explanation from the government.
JD Vance’s Meeting with PM Modi
Earlier, JD Vance met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Paris AI Action Summit. During the meeting, Vance described Modi as “gracious and kind.” Additionally, Modi presented Vance’s children—two sons and a daughter—with heritage-inspired souvenirs as a goodwill gesture.
