GUWAHATI: U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in New Delhi on Monday, April 21, for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening trade and strategic ties between the United States and India. Vance is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening at the Prime Minister’s residence to discuss advancing trade talks, defense cooperation, and launching a new strategic partnership.
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Accompanied by his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance, their three children, and a delegation of senior U.S. officials including National Security Council Senior Director for South and Central Asia Ricky Gill, Vance was welcomed with an official guard of honour at Delhi airport. The meeting with Modi will also include senior members of the Indian Cabinet.
Discussions are expected to focus on reviewing progress made since Modi’s February meeting with President Donald Trump and on the formal launch of the TRUST (Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) partnership, which replaces the earlier iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) framework.
While no formal agreements are anticipated during the visit, officials emphasised that Vance’s trip is intended to lay the groundwork for expanded defense and technology cooperation.
Beyond official meetings, Vance and his family will visit the Taj Mahal in Agra on April 23 and attend a family wedding in Jaipur, highlighting his personal connection to India through his wife’s heritage, according to reports.