US Vice President JD Vance has commenced a four-day visit to India, arriving in New Delhi amidst efforts to finalize an early trade agreement and potentially avoid US tariffs. This visit follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's discussions with US President Donald Trump at the White House two months prior.

Vance was greeted with a traditional red carpet welcome, complete with an honor guard and folk dancers, upon his arrival in New Delhi. His itinerary includes a meeting with Prime Minister Modi and a visit to Agra, where he will see the Taj Mahal. Accompanying him is his family, including his wife Usha, who is of Indian descent, adding a "semi-private" dimension to the visit, according to New Delhi broadcasters.

The purpose of the visit, according to India's foreign ministry, is to "review the progress in bilateral relations" and to discuss "regional and global developments of mutual interest." Both Modi and Vance are expected to use this opportunity to strengthen the ties between the two nations.

India is keen to secure the first part of a trade deal within the 90-day window provided by Trump's tariff pause. Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for India's foreign ministry, expressed optimism that Vance's visit would significantly enhance bilateral relations.

Vance's visit occurs against the backdrop of an ongoing trade conflict between the United States and China. The United States has imposed substantial levies on Chinese products, and China has retaliated with its own duties on US goods. India's response has been measured, with the Department of Commerce stating it is carefully assessing the implications and potential opportunities.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have previously acknowledged a strong rapport, with Trump describing a "special bond" between them. Despite this, Trump has indicated that trade relations have not been entirely equitable. During his visit to Washington, Modi expressed a commitment to creating a "mutually beneficial trade agreement" between the world's largest and fifth-largest economies.

The United States is an important market for India's IT and service sectors, and it has also become a significant supplier of military hardware to India. Looking ahead, Trump may visit India later in the year for a summit involving the Quad, which includes Australia, India, Japan, and the United States.