U.S. Vice President JD Vance disembarked from Air Force Two at Rome Ciampino Airport on April 18, 2025, cradling his daughter Mirabel as he arrived for a series of high-profile meetings. His visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement with Italy, where he is set to meet with far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State.
This trip is Vance's first return to Europe since delivering a combative speech at the Munich Security Conference in February, where he criticized the European Union's handling of cultural issues and urged its members to enhance their security measures. During his time in Rome, Vance will also participate in Easter celebrations at the Vatican, alongside his wife Usha and their three young children.
Vance's meetings with Meloni come just a day after she met with President Donald Trump in Washington, where the two leaders discussed ongoing trade tensions. Meloni, who has positioned herself as a bridge between the U.S. and Europe, received praise from Trump for her hardline stance on migration. This visit has raised eyebrows among EU allies, who fear that Meloni's efforts to establish a close relationship with Trump might undermine the unity of the bloc.
During their meeting, Meloni and Trump discussed the potential impact of Trump's threatened tariffs on Italian exports, which constitute approximately 10% of the nation's total trade with the U.S. The tariffs, initially set at 20%, have been suspended for 90 days, but the uncertainty continues to loom over Italy's economy.
"I want to make the West great again," Meloni stated, emphasizing the shared conservative values between her government and the Trump administration. Her visit to the U.S. was characterized by a warm tone, with Trump referring to her as a "fantastic" leader, showcasing the potential for a strong partnership moving forward.
As Vance meets with Meloni, he is expected to address the sensitive topic of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Both leaders have expressed their support for Ukraine, with Meloni being a staunch ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky since the Russian invasion began in 2022. However, the dynamics have shifted, as Trump has recently shown a willingness to engage with Moscow, complicating the U.S.-Italy relationship regarding the conflict.
Vance's optimism regarding the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine was evident during his remarks alongside Meloni. "Even in the past 24 hours, we think we have some interesting things to report on," Vance shared, indicating potential developments in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
In addition to his discussions in Italy, Vance's itinerary includes a visit to India from April 18 to April 24, where he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This trip is significant as it reflects the U.S.'s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with India amidst ongoing trade and tariff tensions.
Vance's upcoming engagements in India will see him visiting key cities such as New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. He is scheduled to address a conference at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre, further solidifying the importance of U.S.-India relations.
Security preparations for Vance's visit to Jaipur have been heightened, with local authorities coordinating closely to ensure a seamless experience. Notably, two U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft have recently landed at Jaipur International Airport, reportedly transporting security and technical equipment for the Vice President's visit.
While in Jaipur, Vance may have the opportunity to explore iconic heritage sites like Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar, although tourist access to these attractions could be restricted during his visit. Following his engagements in Jaipur, Vance is expected to travel to Agra before concluding his trip in New Delhi.
As Vance navigates these diplomatic waters, the implications of his meetings with Meloni and Modi will be closely monitored by international observers. The outcomes could set the tone for future U.S.-European and U.S.-Indian relations, particularly in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape.
In summary, JD Vance's trip to Italy and subsequent visit to India represents a crucial moment for U.S. diplomacy, as he seeks to reinforce traditional alliances while addressing pressing global issues such as trade, migration, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The interplay between these discussions will undoubtedly shape the future of U.S. foreign policy in both regions.
