In a high-profile diplomatic visit aimed at cementing deeper strategic ties between India and the United States, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in New Delhi on Monday morning, April 21, 2025. Accompanied by his wife, Usha Chilukuri, and their three children, Vance’s trip marks his first official visit to India as Vice President under the current U.S. administration.

Joining Vice President Vance was a delegation of senior U.S. officials, including Ricky Gill, the Senior Director for South and Central Asia at the U.S. National Security Council (NSC). The visit is widely viewed as a significant move to rejuvenate the bilateral relationship, especially in areas of strategic technology, security cooperation, and multilateral trade dynamics.

Upon his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Vance was received with full ceremonial honours. He was welcomed by Indian officials and a traditional guard of honour was accorded to him, in keeping with diplomatic protocol for high-ranking foreign dignitaries.

Key Focus: Strengthening Strategic Tech Partnership

One of the major agenda items of the visit is the formal launch of a reinvigorated strategic technology partnership between the two nations. The proposed framework, now renamed TRUST — short for Transforming Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology — is expected to replace the earlier initiative known as iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies), which was first introduced during the Biden administration.

Sources familiar with the developments say that the TRUST partnership aims to build a future-focused cooperation model centered around artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and next-generation telecommunications. Officials from both countries are optimistic that the initiative will serve as a new pillar of the Indo-U.S. strategic alliance, enhancing innovation ecosystems and fostering industrial collaboration across both economies.

Though official details of the TRUST partnership are yet to be announced, both governments have indicated that a formal launch is expected following Vice President Vance’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The high-level discussions are anticipated to pave the way for deeper collaboration in critical tech sectors with the dual objectives of economic growth and global security.

Dinner Diplomacy: PM Modi to Host J.D. Vance

Later in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to host Vice President Vance at his official residence in New Delhi. The dinner will be attended by key members of Modi’s Cabinet, signaling the importance India attaches to the bilateral engagement with Washington.

The closed-door meeting is expected to touch on a wide range of issues, including defense cooperation, trade, regional security in South Asia, and shared interests in the Indo-Pacific. Sources indicate that announcements stemming from the discussions may also include new agreements or memoranda of understanding focused on research collaboration, talent mobility, and sustainable technology development.

Given the strategic importance of the visit, analysts believe that both sides are working to deliver tangible outcomes that reflect the evolving nature of the India-U.S. partnership — one that is shifting from traditional diplomacy to collaborative problem-solving in emerging sectors.

Congress Questions Modi’s Diplomatic Priorities

While the visit has generated a wave of diplomatic optimism, it has also drawn critical attention from the opposition. On Sunday, April 20, the Indian National Congress questioned whether Prime Minister Modi would raise pressing issues concerning India’s interests during his talks with Vice President Vance.

In particular, the Congress expressed concerns over the recent wave of deportations involving Indian nationals from the U.S. According to party spokespersons, the government must demand explanations and ensure that the rights of Indian citizens are protected under international and bilateral protocols.

Another major concern raised by the Congress was the state of the global trading system. The party criticized the erosion of the World Trade Organization’s multilateral framework, alleging that the system is being dismantled by powerful economies, including the United States. “Will the Prime Minister raise the issue of the complete destruction of the multilateral rules-based trading system anchored in the WTO?” asked a senior Congress leader during a press briefing.

The opposition's critique highlights the balancing act Modi must perform — nurturing a strategic relationship with the United States while addressing domestic political concerns and defending India’s global trade interests.

A Broader Geopolitical Backdrop

Vice President Vance’s visit comes at a time of shifting geopolitical alignments and rising tensions across the globe. As the U.S. recalibrates its foreign policy in the wake of new challenges in Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, its partnership with India is seen as a cornerstone of stability and mutual growth.

India, for its part, continues to seek greater technological self-reliance and geopolitical influence. In this context, the TRUST initiative represents not just a bilateral agreement but a shared vision for innovation-driven diplomacy.

Experts also suggest that this visit might lay the groundwork for a potential state visit by President Vance in the future, depending on the success of this engagement and the evolving political landscapes in both countries.

Expectations Ahead

With high stakes on both sides, the Delhi meetings are being closely watched by industry leaders, policy analysts, and international observers alike. The success of the TRUST partnership and the diplomatic outcomes of this visit could redefine how India and the United States cooperate on key issues for decades to come.

As India positions itself as a global hub for digital innovation and manufacturing, and the U.S. looks to secure resilient supply chains and reliable democratic partners, this visit is expected to further align the strategic goals of both nations.

All eyes now turn to the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President J.D. Vance — a pivotal encounter that could mark a new chapter in Indo-U.S. relations.