In a pivotal moment for US-India relations, Vice President JD Vance has landed in the bustling capital of Delhi for crucial negotiations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The timing is critical, as rising tensions from the ongoing US tariff war with China and increasing instability in global economic alliances hang in the balance.

Arriving with his family, including the Second Lady Usha Vance and their three children, the Vice President was met with a warm welcome at the airport, where a military band played the US anthem under a red canopy as they faced the sweltering sun. This four-day visit is set to be a mix of high-stakes diplomacy and family exploration.

The White House has emphasized that Vance’s discussions will focus on "shared economic and geopolitical priorities." Meanwhile, India hopes the talks will allow both countries to assess the progress of their bilateral relations and potentially resolve contentious issues like tariffs and immigration.

The backdrop of Vance's visit is marked by a renewed urgency to fast-track a trade pact amid the US's rigorous tariff policies. Recent history has seen India penalized with a hefty 26% tariff on April 2nd, a move that continues to loom large despite a temporary 90-day pause.

In an effort to shield their economy, Indian officials are working diligently to finalize the first phase of the trade deal, targeting completion by autumn. With bilateral trade already exceeding $190 billion, both nations are eager to expand—Modi recently expressed ambitions to double that figure to $500 billion, dubbing it a "mega partnership." However, the mood isn't entirely celebratory. On the very day of Vance’s arrival, India's largest farmers' union, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), has opted to rally against the proposed trade agreement. Fearing that trade liberalization will threaten local farm incomes, particularly in the dairy industry, the union has accused US officials of coercing India into a deal.

Echoes of large-scale farmer protests that pressured the Modi government to rescind controversial agricultural laws during the 2020-21 period still linger. Now, farmers are bracing for a repeat of such discontent.

Adding to the tension, concerns regarding student visas and H-1B permits are resurfacing. With recent statistics indicating that half of the 327 visa revocations involved Indian students, fears are mounting regarding the unpredictable and opaque nature of these decisions, as highlighted by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association has noted that US immigration officials are increasingly scrutinizing international students, stirring anxiety among communities back home.

Despite these issues, India's Ministry of External Affairs has expressed optimism, asserting confidence that Vance’s visit will strengthen ties and address all pertinent topics.

Vance, known for his assertive "America First" foreign policy, has stirred controversy during previous trips, notably criticizing allied nations' defense expenditures. His visit follows that of US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard as part of broader efforts to solidify the Quad alliance in countering China's growing influence.

While the primary goal of this journey is diplomatic, Vance’s family is also set to enjoy sight-seeing adventures, including tours of the majestic royal palaces of Jaipur and the iconic Taj Mahal—an experience enriched by Usha Vance's Indian heritage.