US Vice-President JD Vance will begin his four-day visit to India on Monday, with a strong focus on finalising a long-discussed bilateral trade pact, strengthening strategic ties, and reviewing key outcomes from the India-US Joint Statement issued in February.
Vance, accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri and their three children, is making the first visit by a sitting US Vice-President to India in over a decade.
Former Vice President Joe Biden last visited in 2013.
A five-member high-level delegation from the US, including senior officials from the Pentagon and the State Department, will accompany him.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Vice President Vance for formal talks and a private dinner at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, on Monday evening.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will join the discussions.
The agenda includes negotiations on the bilateral trade agreement and discussions on enhancing economic and strategic cooperation between the two democracies.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “The visit provides an opportunity for both countries to assess progress in bilateral ties and implement the outcomes of the Joint Statement issued on February 13 during the Prime Minister’s visit to the US. Both sides will also exchange perspectives on regional and global developments of shared interest.”
Vice-President Vance will travel to Jaipur on April 21 and remain there until April 24.
On April 22, he will tour the iconic Amer Palace with his family, receiving a traditional Rajasthani welcome.
The visit will feature folk performances, puppet shows, regional cuisine, and Jodhpuri ‘safas’ for the guests.
Authorities will close the palace to the public for the duration of the visit, with 12 trained guides assigned to maintain protocol and assist the delegation.
Later that day, Vance will deliver the keynote address at the US-India Business Summit at the Rajasthan International Centre.
The summit will draw top Indian and American business leaders and officials.
Vance is expected to lay out his vision for enhancing bilateral trade and investment.
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