US Vice President JD Vance to visit India amid tariff tensions

US Vice President JD Vance is poised to visit India later this month, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, as reported by Politico, citing three sources familiar with the plans.

This marks Vance's second international trip since taking office and Usha Vance's inaugural visit to her ancestral homeland as Second Lady. The Vice President previously embarked on his first foreign visit to France and Germany last month.

The visit occurs amid escalating tensions between India and the US over tariff disputes.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump criticized India's tariff policies, declaring it "next to impossible to sell anything to India" due to "high tariffs." In response, he announced reciprocal tariffs, effective April 2, aiming to match the tariff rates imposed by foreign countries on US exports.

The 78-year-old Republican's tariff announcements have created unrest in stock markets. Subsequently, Trump claimed that India agreed to reduce tariffs on US imports. "India charges us massive tariffs. Massive.

You can't even sell anything in India... They have agreed, by the way, they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done," he stated at the White House. However, Indian officials have refuted this, asserting no such commitments were made, and negotiations are ongoing.

On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the issue while discussing the tariffs imposed by various nations, emphasizing India's tariffs on US alcohol and agricultural products.

"American cheese and butter face nearly a 300 per cent tariff in Canada. In India, there is a 150 per cent tariff on American alcohol. Do you think that's helping Kentucky bourbon be exported into India? I don't think so. There's also a 100 per cent tariff on agricultural products from India," she commented.

In an earlier engagement, Vice President Vance met Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortly after assuming office, on the sidelines of the AI Summit in Paris last month.

During this meeting, PM Modi presented an eco-friendly wooden alphabet set to Vance's daughter, Mirabel Rose Vance, and participated in the celebration of Vance's son Vivek's birthday.

Expressing his delight, PM Modi shared on X, "Had a wonderful meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and his family. We had a great conversation on various subjects. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek!"

Vice President Vance reciprocated the sentiments, appreciating PM Modi's hospitality and kindness, noting that his children enjoyed the gifts and expressing gratitude for the meaningful conversation.