Jaipur: United States Vice President JD Vance, who is on a four-day trip to India with his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their children, began a cultural visit to Jaipur on Tuesday. The Vance family arrived at the Amber Fort after staying at the Rambagh Palace.
They received a warm and lively welcome at the Amber Fort, complete with a traditional Rajasthani dance performance and beautifully adorned elephants.
On the previous day, JD Vance and his family visited the Central Cottage Industries Emporium in New Delhi, where showroom GM Meera Somani described how the family “really enjoyed and appreciated our showroom,” mentioning that they purchased pottery, papier-mâché items, and teas.
Earlier on Monday, just after their arrival, the Vance family visited the Akshardham Temple in the national capital. The couple’s sons wore kurta-pyjamas, and their daughter donned an Anarkali-style outfit with an embroidered jacket. Radhika Shukla, a spokesperson for the temple, stated that the Vice President spent about 55 minutes exploring the temple, admiring its architecture, and offering prayers for world peace.
The Vance family arrived at Palam Airport, where they were welcomed by Union Minister for Railways and Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vance received a ceremonial Guard of Honour, marking the beginning of his first official visit to India.
On the first day of his trip, the US Vice President expressed it was an “honour” to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “great leader.” Vance also expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to his family at the PM’s residence, noting PM Modi’s “incredibly kind” demeanor.
In response to PM Modi’s post on X, the Vice President wrote, “It was an honor to see Prime Minister Modi this evening. He’s a great leader, and he was incredibly kind to my family.” Vance also indicated his eagerness to bolster friendship and cooperation between the two countries, stating, “I look forward to working under President Trump’s leadership to strengthen our friendship and cooperation with the people of India!”
Following their meeting, PM Modi tweeted, “Pleased to welcome US Vice President JD Vance and his family to New Delhi. We reviewed the fast-paced progress since my visit to the US and my meeting with President Trump. We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, technology, defense, energy, and people-to-people exchanges.”
On Wednesday, the Vance family plans to visit Agra, with their trip concluding on April 24 at 6:40 am when they depart from India.