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US Vice President Vance Arrives in New Delhi Amidst Global Trade Tensions
United States Vice President JD Vance received a formal red carpet welcome upon his arrival in New Delhi. His significant visit occurs against a backdrop of strained international relations as China delivers a stern warning regarding America’s tariff disputes.
Vance Family’s Arrival and Diplomatic Schedule
Mr. Vance, aged 40, disembarked the aircraft on Monday with his wife, Usha – the daughter of Indian immigrants – and their three children. The Vance family was notably attired in vibrant Indian clothing.
This trip follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discussions with US President Donald Trump at the White House two months prior.
Simultaneously, India is actively working to finalize a critical trade agreement with Washington before an impending deadline. This effort aims to circumvent potential repercussions from punitive US tariffs, which have destabilized global markets and provoked strong condemnation from Beijing.
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Red Carpet Reception and Temple Visit
Upon landing in India, the US Vice President, a committed Catholic who had met with Pope Francis at the Vatican the preceding day, was greeted with ceremonial honors.
He and his family toured the expansive Akshardham Hindu temple as one of their initial activities. His four-day itinerary includes visits to Rajasthan’s historic Amber Fort in Jaipur on Tuesday and the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra on Wednesday.
High-Stakes Meeting with Prime Minister Modi
However, the pivotal engagement is Monday’s high-stakes meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, anticipated to be central to the visit’s diplomatic importance.
During the meeting, the leaders are expected to “assess the advancement” in US-India relations and “exchange perspectives on regional and global developments of mutual importance,” according to Indian government sources.
Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, along with their children, visited Akshardham Temple
Vance and Usha arrive in New Delhi on Monday morning ahead of trade talks
He and his family toured the vast Akshardham Hindu temple on one of his first stops
Dancers wearing traditional attire stand in front of a poster depicting US Vice President JD Vance upon his arrival in New Delhi on April 21, 2025
India Seeks Trade Pact Amidst Tariff Concerns
New Delhi aims to finalize an initial phase of a trade agreement within the 90-day suspension of extensive tariffs declared by US President Donald Trump earlier this month. These tariffs, while currently exempting India, continue to significantly impact China with rates reaching as high as 145 percent.
In response, Beijing has imposed tariffs of 125 percent on American goods. India, previously subjected to tariffs of 26 percent before the temporary pause, has adopted a cautious approach to date.
India Expresses Optimism for Strengthened Ties
“We are very optimistic that this visit will further strengthen our bilateral relations,” stated India’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, to journalists last week.
China Warns Against Trade Deals at its Expense
China, expressing strong displeasure at being specifically targeted, has issued a stark warning. They cautioned against any nation entering into a trade agreement with Washington that could be detrimental to China’s interests.
“The United States has misused tariffs against all trading partners under the guise of so-called ‘equivalence’,” declared China’s Commerce Ministry on Monday.
“We will implement countermeasures in a determined and reciprocal manner.”
China Accuses US of Economic Bullying
Beijing’s forceful caution follows a Bloomberg report indicating that the Trump administration is exerting pressure on countries seeking tariff exemptions to diminish trade relationships with China, potentially imposing financial penalties for non-compliance.
Consequently, China is organizing an informal UN Security Council assembly this week to formally accuse Washington of engaging in global economic coercion.
“The reality is, no country wants to take sides,” commented Bo Zhengyuan, a partner at Plenum, a China-based policy consultancy.
US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, February 13, 2025
India’s Balanced Approach Amidst Global Trade Landscape
“If nations possess a significant reliance on China in terms of investment, industrial infrastructure, technological expertise, and consumer markets, I doubt they will accede to US demands,” Zhengyuan added.
“Numerous Southeast Asian countries fall into this category.”
Despite the prevailing global economic uncertainty, India is maintaining its focus on navigating a balanced strategy.
An official from the Department of Commerce indicated that New Delhi is “carefully evaluating the implications” of the US tariffs, while also “assessing potential opportunities that may emerge.”
Prime Minister Modi, who visited the White House in February and is recognized for his close rapport with President Trump, pledged to pursue a “mutually advantageous trade agreement” between the world’s largest and fifth-largest economies.
While India’s thriving IT and service sectors heavily depend on US markets, Washington has conversely benefited substantially from defense contracts with New Delhi in recent years.
President Trump has also suggested a possible visit to India later in the year for a summit of the Quad, a prominent alliance comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia.