Washington: US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance are reportedly set to visit India later this month, according to sources familiar with the plans, as reported by Politico.
This will mark Vance’s second international trip as vice president, following his recent visit to Germany and France. Usha Vance, who has Indian heritage, is the daughter of Indian immigrants to the United States.
Trade Discussions Amid Diplomatic Visit
The visit is expected to take place at a time when the US and India are engaged in discussions over tariffs. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently raised concerns about India’s trade policies, particularly its duties on American agricultural products and alcoholic beverages. Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Leavitt highlighted US grievances over international tariffs, including India’s levies on key American exports.
“India imposes a 150 percent tariff on American alcoholic beverages and a 100 percent tariff on agricultural products,” Leavitt noted, adding that such measures affect trade opportunities, particularly for US businesses like those in Kentucky’s bourbon industry.
Trade Tensions and Diplomatic Outreach
US President Donald Trump also weighed in on the matter last week, criticizing India’s trade barriers and stating that selling goods in the Indian market remains highly challenging due to “excessively high tariffs.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic engagements between the two nations continue. In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with JD Vance and his family during an event in Paris. The two leaders reportedly shared a positive discussion, with Modi joining the Vance family in celebrating their son Vivek’s first birthday.
Following the meeting, Modi expressed his appreciation for the interaction, posting on social media, “It was wonderful meeting US Vice President JD Vance and his family. We had insightful conversations on various topics, and I was delighted to celebrate Vivek’s birthday with them.”
JD Vance, in response, thanked PM Modi for his hospitality, mentioning that his children enjoyed the thoughtful gifts presented by the Indian Prime Minister. Among the gifts was an eco-friendly wooden alphabet set for Vance’s daughter, Mirabel Rose Vance—a sustainable and educational alternative to plastic toys.
As the visit approaches, all eyes will be on how trade discussions unfold and whether both sides make progress in resolving tariff-related tensions.
