US Vice President JD Vance's visit to India begins Monday with a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a bilateral trade deal with the growing economic powerhouse.
Vance's visit, deemed vital by President Donald Trump's administration, coincides with the escalating trade war between the US and India's neighbor China.
India's foreign ministry has said the visit will "provide an opportunity for both sides to review the progress in bilateral relations" and two leaders will "exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest."
The discussions between Vance and Modi are likely to focus on the progress of the bilateral agenda laid out in February during Modi's visit to the US. This agenda includes "fairness" in their 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," the foreign ministry said.
What's in it for India?
The US is India's largest trading partner. According to US government data, the two countries' bilateral trade reached $129 billion in 2024, with a $45.7 billion surplus in favor of India.
Modi was among the first world leaders to meet Trump after he took office for the second time. The Indian government has also proposed cutting tariffs on more than half of its imports from the US.
While Modi and Trump share a good rapport, the US president has continued to call India a "tariff abuser" and "tariff king."
Trump declared a 26% tariff on Indian imports to the US, which are now paused, giving temporary relief to Indian exporters.
With Vance's visit to India, New Delhi hopes to secure a trade deal within the 90-day pause.
Vance's visit is also being viewed as an opportunity for India to host Trump later this year for the summit of leaders of the Quad grouping that includes India, Australia, Japan, and the US.
