US Vice President JD Vance's visit to India in beginning of second Trump administration has its own significance: Taranjit Singh Sandhu

New Delhi, April 21: US Vice President JD Vance visiting India in almost the beginning of the second term of President Donald Trump holds its own significance, Former Ambassador of India to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said and noted that the strategic partnership between the two countries has many dimensions and trade issues will also get sorted out.

The high-level visit comes amid trade negotiations between the two countries following the US decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India.

The US has reduced new tariff rates on most of its trade partners to 10 per cent for 90 days to allow trade negotiations.

In an interview with ANI, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who is also a BJP leader, said that challenges should be converted to opportunities. He said tariffs by the Trump administration are a worldwide phenomenon, and it does not mean that the strategic relationship between the two countries will be pushed under the carpet.

"Any relationship in the world, including our own domestic relations at home, is complicated. The complications were there earlier, too. My take is that these challenges must be converted into opportunities, and this issue is also similar in kind. Though it has become huge, it is a worldwide phenomenon, it is a new technique, but this doesn't mean that India-US relations will be pushed under the carpet. All this will flow together," he said, answering a query on tariffs.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu served as India's Ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2024, with his tenure spanning both the Trump and Biden presidencies.

He said India-US ties have many dimensions, and trade is a part of it.

"I worked with President Trump in his first administration...US -India relations have many dimensions and trade is one part of it. Trade will also get sorted out. Be a bit patient, see this relationship, in the coming days you will see its contours emerging," he said, when asked about expectations about the future.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu also touched on the cultural aspects of JD Vance's visit

"His presence here right in the beginning of second Trump administration, I think, holds its own significance. Also it is cultural visit to the country where he is closely invested with his family," he said.

US Vice President Vance, who arrived in the national capital on Monday morning, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening.

He is on a four-day official visit to India and is accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, their children, and senior members of the US Administration.

This is Vice President Vance's first visit to India. He will also visit Jaipur and Agra before departing for Washington DC.

The visit has provided an opportunity for both sides to review the progress in bilateral relations and the implementation of the outcomes of the India-U.S. Joint Statement issued on February 13, 2025 during the visit of the Prime Minister to the US.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.

This visit shows how important the India-US relationship is becoming! Hope they can work out the trade issues soon. The cultural connection with Vance's family is an interesting angle too 🇮🇳🇺🇸

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Priya M.

While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I'm concerned about the tariff situation. It's affecting small businesses on both sides. Hope they find a balanced solution that doesn't hurt local industries too much.

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Amit S.

Great to see high-level visits continuing despite political changes! The strategic partnership is more than just trade - defense, tech, and people-to-people ties matter too. Excited to see what comes next!

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Sunita P.

Interesting that Vance chose to bring his family along. Shows this isn't just about politics but building personal connections too. Hope they enjoy their time in Jaipur and Agra! The Taj is magical at sunrise 🌅

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Vikram J.

Respectfully, I think the article could have explored more about what specific trade issues are being negotiated. The 90-day tariff reduction window seems crucial but wasn't explained in detail.

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Neha R.

Sandhu's perspective is valuable having worked through both administrations. His optimism about converting challenges to opportunities is refreshing in today's political climate!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.