New Delhi: 

US Vice President J D Vance arrived here on a four-day visit to India on Monday amid ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between the two strategic partners to address a variety of issues, including tariffs and market access.

Usha Vance's Native Village Awaits Visit:

Meanwhile, the small village of Vadluru in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh is abuzz with anticipation. Vadluru is the ancestral home of Usha Vance, and locals are hopeful the couple will visit their village during their time in the country. The visit has sparked a wave of excitement and emotion among villagers who take great pride in Usha's achievements.

During the weekly media briefing last Thursday, when asked about the possibility of tariff discussions, EAM spokesperson Jaiswal said, "We have a comprehensive strategic global partnership, when you have that level of partnership with any country ... obviously you will discuss all relevant issues..."

He added, "Of course our relationship is such that we are doing anything that is part of our human endeavour from part of our bilateral engagement ... so all these bilateral issues will be discussed and we are very positive that the visit will give a further boost to our bilateral ties."

Jaiswal also highlighted the ongoing discussions between India and the US regarding a potential trade agreement. "We are talking to the US side so that a bilateral trade agreement can be done," he said. Jaiswal also stated that India has a Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership with the US, and when such a high-level visit takes place, all issues of importance are discussed.

"This is an Official Visit. He will be meeting the Prime Minister. And with the United States of America, we have a Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership. So, when you have that level of partnership with any country, obviously you will discuss all relevant issues," Jaiswal said.

Vances to leave for Jaipur on Monday night:

On April 22, the Vances will visit a number of historical sites in Jaipur, including the Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort. The fort is a UNESCO world heritage site. In the afternoon, the US Vice President is scheduled to address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur.

Vance is expected to delve into broader aspects of India-US relations under the Donald Trump administration during his speech that is expected to be attended by diplomats, foreign policy experts, Indian government officials and academia. The US Vice President and his family will travel to Agra on the morning of April 23, people familiar with the matter said.

In Agra, they will visit Taj Mahal and Shilpgram which is an open air emporium showcasing various Indian artefacts, they said. After concluding their visit to Agra, the Vances will return to Jaipur on the second half of April 23. The US Vice President and his family will depart for the US from Jaipur on April 24, according to the people cited above.

The focus of the meeting is likely to be on early finalisation of the proposed bilateral trade pact as well as ways to boost the overall trajectory of ties between the two countries.

Vance's first visit to India comes weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed and then paused a sweeping tariff regime against around 60 countries, including India. New Delhi and Washington are now holding negotiations to seal a bilateral trade agreement that is expected to address a variety of issues, including tariff and market access.

A formal meeting between Vice President Vance and Prime Minister Modi is scheduled for 6:30 pm at the Prime Minister's official residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. PM Modi will host a dinner for the Vances following the meeting.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Indian ambassador to US Vinay Mohan Kwatra are expected to be part of the Indian team to be led by PM Modi at the talks.

Shortly after their arrival, the Vances visited the famous Akshardham Temple here. In Delhi, the US Vice President and his family are staying at the ITC Maurya Sheraton hotel.

Vance is accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri, and their three children -- Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel -- and a delegation of senior US government officials. The Vances were received at the airport by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The family landed at the Palam airbase here around 10 am today (Monday). Vance's children were dressed in traditional Indian attire. The American leader was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival.

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