JD Vance Lands in India as New Delhi Races to Avoid Trump’s Tariff Threat

United States Vice President JD Vance has arrived in India for a pivotal four-day visit that could shape the future of US-India trade relations as tensions escalate over President Donald Trump’s proposed 26 percent tariffs. The trip, while partly personal, has quickly taken on diplomatic urgency as both nations seek to solidify a new trade agreement and counter China’s growing influence.

Vance was welcomed with a warm embrace by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday in New Delhi, signaling the strength of the relationship between the two nations. The visit comes just months after a high-profile summit between Trump and Modi in Washington, where both leaders pledged to elevate bilateral cooperation and double trade to $500 billion by 2030. That momentum, however, now faces serious challenges. Trump’s administration recently announced sweeping global tariffs, with India on the receiving end of the harshest blow—26 percent on all imports. Though these tariffs have been paused for 90 days, the clock is ticking for New Delhi to secure a favorable deal.

The US remains India’s largest trading partner, and officials from both countries are scrambling to finalize a new agreement that integrates supply chains and fuels job growth. Vance’s visit is expected to build on those efforts, with both sides reviewing progress on trade and discussing broader geopolitical shifts, especially the intensifying US-China trade war. As India positions itself as a regional counterweight to Beijing, its role within the Quad—alongside the US, Japan, and Australia—is likely to gain fresh relevance.

Upon arrival, Vance was greeted with traditional Indian performances and military honors, underlining the ceremonial and strategic significance of the trip. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, discussions will also include regional and global matters of mutual interest. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed optimism, saying the visit would “further deepen the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership.”

While Modi continues to court Washington, the Trump administration’s tone remains mixed. Despite India’s increased purchases of US oil, defense equipment, and cooperation on deportations of undocumented Indian nationals, Trump has repeatedly labeled India as a “tariff king” and a “tariff abuser.”

Still, Modi remains one of Trump’s closest international allies. He was among the first world leaders to visit the US after Trump’s second inauguration in January and has described the growing alliance as a “mega partnership.” The coming days of Vance’s trip could prove critical in determining whether that partnership survives the turbulence of Trump’s tariff diplomacy or emerges stronger than ever.