In a strong signal of growing India-US ties, US Vice President J.D. Vance and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz are expected to visit India from April 21, according to top sources. While their visits will be separate, both reflect Washington’s strategic focus on strengthening its partnership with New Delhi.
Vance’s Visit: Personal Yet Strategic
Vice President J.D. Vance will be accompanied by his wife, Indian-American Second Lady Usha Vance, and their children. The trip, though largely private, will include official engagements, with meetings planned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before his scheduled trip to Saudi Arabia on April 22. The Vance family is also expected to travel to Shimla, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Delhi.
NSA Waltz’s Mission: Trust and Technology
Michael Waltz, the US National Security Advisor, will undertake a business-focused trip from April 21 to 23. He is expected to hold wide-ranging talks with Indian counterparts including NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Waltz will officially launch the India-US TRUST initiative (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) — a fresh collaboration platform replacing the earlier iCET framework launched during the Biden era. TRUST aims to strengthen cooperation in critical technologies, semiconductors, advanced telecom, and defense space.
A Backdrop of Global Tensions
These high-profile visits come as President Trump’s tariff policies rattle global markets. Trump recently paused tariffs for 90 days on all countries except China, triggering concern over a looming global trade war. In this context, deepening India-US ties becomes crucial for both nations’ strategic and economic interests.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Just weeks ago, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard visited India and held key meetings with top Indian leaders. The upcoming visits of Vance and Waltz are part of this ongoing high-level engagement, paving the way for deeper cooperation across sectors.
Following talks between PM Modi and President Trump in Washington in February, the two sides also agreed to negotiate a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with the first tranche expected by Fall 2025.
