New Delhi, April 21 (NationPress) United States Vice President J.D. Vance, along with his Indian-origin spouse Usha Chilukuri Vance and their three children, has arrived in India for a four-day official tour. This visit marks a pivotal diplomatic engagement and is the first by a sitting US Vice President to India in over a decade, the last being Joe Biden in 2013.

Vice President Vance, who commenced his international journey with a stop in Italy on Friday, touched down at the Air Force Station in Palam, New Delhi.

Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the airport.

This visit highlights a renewed focus on bolstering US-India relations amid ongoing discussions regarding a long-anticipated bilateral trade agreement and enhanced strategic cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to host the Vice President for formal discussions, followed by a dinner at his official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday evening.

The meeting will involve key Indian officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who are expected to participate in the talks.

Sources indicate that the leaders will deliberate on trade-related issues, regional security, and opportunities to enhance technological and economic collaboration between the two nations.

Vance's arrival in India occurs at a time when negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement—initially prompted by former President Donald Trump's implementation of extensive tariffs—are gaining renewed traction.

While the US had initially set an import tariff of 26 percent, India currently contends with a reduced baseline tariff of 10 percent, applicable to most US trading partners except China, during a 90-day hiatus in the broader tariff implementation.

This marks the Vice President's inaugural visit to India and his second bilateral engagement with Prime Minister Modi, following their initial meeting in Paris earlier this year during the AI Summit.

That meeting was succeeded by PM Modi's visit to Washington for his first official meeting with the current US President after returning to office.

The Vice President is accompanied by a high-level US delegation consisting of five members, including representatives from the Pentagon and the State Department.

The delegation's schedule includes visits to Agra and Jaipur, highlighting the cultural aspect of the visit alongside strategic discussions.

Usha Chilukuri Vance, of Indian descent, is also part of the journey with their children—Ewan, 7; Vivek, 4; and Mirabel, 2. Usha Vance's family originates from Andhra Pradesh. However, it remains uncertain if they will meet any relatives during their time in India.

This visit also signifies the second notable trip to India by a senior official from the Trump administration during the current term.

In March, Tulsi Gabbard, serving as the Director of National Intelligence, visited India, participating in the Raisina Dialogue and engaging with Indian officials and the Prime Minister.

Vice President Vance's presence in India after such a lengthy interval underscores the importance both nations place on their evolving partnership.

His visit is poised to set the stage for further high-level interactions in the near future, particularly in light of increasing global geopolitical shifts and economic realignments.