US Vice President and National Security Advisor Set for Separate Visits to India from April 21″
US Vice President J.D. Vance and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz are expected to visit India starting April 21, reflecting Washington’s growing focus on its relationship with India amid global concerns about President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, top sources told PTI on Friday night.
Vance’s trip is likely to be a mix of official and private engagements, while Waltz’s visit will be entirely business-focused, with discussions centered around critical issues such as the security situation in the Indo-Pacific, the sources said.
Both officials are anticipated to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before he travels to Saudi Arabia for a two-day visit beginning on April 22.
These visits come at a time when Trump’s tariff policy has created widespread economic disruptions, sparking fears of a global trade war. Earlier this week, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of sweeping tariffs on most countries, excluding China, as nations struggle to cope with the consequences of his aggressive trade policies.
Waltz, known for advocating stronger US-India relations, is scheduled to visit India from April 21 to 23. During his trip, he will promote initiatives related to cooperation in high technology, critical minerals, and export controls.
Meanwhile, Vance is expected to travel with his wife, Indian-American Second Lady Usha Vance, and their children, visiting cities like Shimla, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Delhi. His trip is expected to last longer than Waltz’s.
The visits by Vance and Waltz follow a recent trip by US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard to India, where she held separate meetings with PM Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
During his visit, Waltz will unveil initiatives under the India-US TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) program, which replaced the earlier US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). The iCET was launched by PM Modi and then-President Joe Biden in May 2022, focusing on enhancing India-US collaboration in critical technologies.
The two sides are expected to deepen their cooperation in areas like semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced telecommunications, and defense space. Waltz is expected to have extensive talks with NSA Ajit Doval and may also meet PM Modi and Jaishankar.
The tariff dispute and its potential global economic impact continue to shape the diplomatic landscape, with both countries focused on strengthening their bilateral ties.