Abstract__ This paper explores the fundamental magnetic response in vector controlled induction motors. Radial and tangential components of the electromagnetic force in the airgap of a vector controlled induction machine have been investigated. The study reveals the correlation between the average value and undulation of the force components to the stator currents in the synchronous reference frame. Furthermore, the flux and force density distributions for an induction machine with and without vector control, with rotor dynamic eccentricity, and with broken rotor bar (i.e. eccentric rotor) conditions have been compared. The studies have been performed using a transient Finite Element model of a 4-pole induction machine.