US VP Vance, wife Usha to visit India this month
What's the story
JD Vance, US Vice President, is preparing for his second-ever international trip during the second innings of the Trump administration.
He will be visiting India later this month along with Second Lady Usha Vance, reported Politico, citing sources familiar with the development.
The visit is special as it's Usha's first-ever trip to her ancestral homeland as Second Lady.
Diplomatic discussions
Vance's visit comes amid tariff negotiations
The visit comes amid complicated negotiations between the US and India over tariffs.
The matter was raised by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said India imposed tariffs on American alcohol and agricultural products.
"You look at India, 150 per cent tariff on American alcohol. Do you think that's helping Kentucky bourbon be exported into India?" she said.
Trade tensions
President Trump criticizes India's high tariffs
US President Donald Trump has also attacked India's high tariffs, saying it's "next to impossible to sell anything to India" because of such taxes.
He announced reciprocal tariffs effective April 2, seeking equal tariff rates on imports from foreign countries as those countries impose on US exports.
However, India has denied any such commitments to trade tariff reduction.
Diplomatic relations
Vance's recent meeting with PM Modi
JD Vance met PM Narendra Modi during the AI Summit in Paris in February where French President Emmanuel Macron hosted them.
There, they discussed mutual interests, including US support for India's energy diversification with clean and "reliable" nuclear technology.
The US-India bilateral relationship has strengthened over the past few years, especially in trade and defense.