US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India aims to strengthen bilateral trade and defense ties, with discussions focusing on trade fairness and regional issues. The visit coincides with ongoing US-China trade tensions, and India hopes to finalize a trade deal during the 90-day tariff pause. It also sets the stage for hosting President Trump at the Quad summit later this year.

US Vice President JD Vance's visit to India begins on Monday, starting with a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a bilateral trade agreement with the rapidly growing economic powerhouse.

Vance’s visit, deemed critical by President Donald Trump’s administration, comes at a time of intensifying trade tensions between the US and India’s neighbor, China.

India’s Foreign Ministry has stated that the visit will "provide an opportunity for both sides to review the progress in bilateral relations" and that the two leaders will "exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."

The talks between Vance and Modi are expected to focus on the progress of the bilateral agenda outlined during Modi’s visit to the US in February. This agenda emphasizes "fairness" in two-way trade and the expansion of their defense partnership.

"We are very positive that the visit will give a further boost to our bilateral ties," said the Indian Foreign Ministry.

The US is India’s largest trading partner. According to US government data, bilateral trade between the two nations reached $129 billion (€113 billion) in 2024, with a $45.7 billion surplus in India’s favor.

Modi was among the first world leaders to meet with Trump after he began his second term. The Indian government has also proposed cutting tariffs on more than half of its imports from the US.

Despite the good rapport between Modi and Trump, the US president has continued to label India as a "tariff abuser" and "tariff king."

Trump imposed a 26% tariff on Indian imports to the United States, which has since been temporarily suspended, providing relief to Indian exporters.

With Vance’s visit, New Delhi hopes to finalize a trade agreement during the 90-day pause in tariff disputes.

Additionally, Vance’s visit is seen as an opportunity for India to potentially host Trump later this year for the summit of the Quad leaders, which includes India, Australia, Japan, and the US.