US Vice President JD Vance will visit India and Italy this week, the White House confirmed on Wednesday, April 16. The statement mentioned that Vance will be joined by his wife, Usha Vance, and the couple will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their time in India. The itinerary includes stops in New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra.

According to earlier reports, the vice president’s trip was initially planned for March but was delayed multiple times. This week’s visit is expected to remain largely private. The Vances are likely to be in India at the same time as US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who is also expected to arrive soon.

While in India, NSA Mike Waltz is scheduled to meet Indian NSA Ajit Doval and will participate in the Indo-US Forum organised by the Ananta Centre in Delhi. Later in the summer, US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth is expected to travel to India, followed by a visit from US President Donald Trump for the Quad Summit.

🚨NEW:@VP JD Vance and @SLOTUS will visit Italy and India this week. pic.twitter.com/UYqTfNlvGt

— Taylor Van Kirk (@VPPressSec) April 16, 2025

Last month, the US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, also travelled to India. During her visit, she met with Doval and held talks with Prime Minister Modi.

Usha Vance, who will accompany the Vice President on this trip, is the first Asian American and Hindu American to serve as Second Lady of the United States. A trained lawyer and Yale graduate, she once clerked for top US judges including Chief Justice John Roberts. After working in civil litigation and appeals, she left her law firm in July 2024. Usha was also active during her husband's vice-presidential campaign, often appearing alongside him. The couple has three children.

Amid these diplomatic engagements, India is working to conclude a trade agreement with the US. Trade Secretary Sunil Barthwal stated this week that discussions are moving in a positive direction. He added that progress in easing tariff and non-tariff barriers on both sides could lead to an increase in bilateral trade.

Rajesh Agrawal, an additional secretary in the trade ministry, confirmed that virtual talks will begin this month. In-person negotiations are set for mid-May. Both countries started working on the first phase of the agreement in February and aim to finalise it by the end of 2025. The goal is to push the trade volume to $500 billion by 2030.

JD Vance’s India visit will add to the next chapter of US-India diplomatic meetings this year, hinting at deeper strategic and economic ties.