US Vice President JD Vance arrived in New Delhi on Monday morning for his first official visit to India, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their three children. The four-day visit, from April 21 to 24, comes at a crucial time as both India and the United States aim to deepen economic, defense, and diplomatic ties in a rapidly changing global landscape.
From the airport, the family headed straight to the Akshardham Temple in Delhi, where they spent nearly an hour soaking in the intricate carvings, spiritual ambiance, and cultural richness. They offered prayers for world peace and were visibly moved by the experience. Temple officials noted that the Vance children especially enjoyed the visit, and a souvenir was gifted to them to commemorate the occasion.
As part of their Delhi itinerary, the family also visited the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, where they explored India’s rich tradition of handicrafts. According to the showroom manager, the Vances were drawn to items like tea, honey, papier-mâché, wooden pieces, and pottery. Despite a tight schedule, their humility and warmth stood out as they engaged with staff and selected items based on their children’s interests.
The visit unfolds against the backdrop of global economic tensions, particularly the ongoing US-China trade war. A potential bilateral trade agreement between India and the US is among the key points of discussion during Vance’s meetings with Indian leadership. The two nations have set a shared ambition of boosting bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Monday’s schedule includes an important meeting between JD Vance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by a state dinner hosted by the PM, with key Indian officials including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval expected to be present.
Defense cooperation is also expected to be a focal point, with talks likely to continue discussions initiated in previous high-level meetings. The US and India are working toward frameworks for joint defense production, including the co-manufacturing of Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stryker combat vehicles.
The Vice President’s arrival did bring some logistical challenges to the capital, with traffic congestion reported around NH 24 due to heightened security protocols. Nevertheless, the public has largely responded positively, especially to the sight of the Vance children dressed in traditional Indian attire—a gesture that resonated deeply with citizens. Social media platforms were abuzz with admiration, as users shared photos and commented on the family’s respectful embrace of Indian customs.
The family is staying at ITC Maurya in Delhi and will later travel to Jaipur, where they are scheduled to stay at the iconic Rambagh Palace and visit historical landmarks like the Amer Fort. JD Vance is also set to address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre.
In the midst of significant diplomatic objectives, the human touch of this visit—the smiles of children in kurta pyjamas, the quiet prayers at a temple, and the eager excitement of a small village—reminds us that diplomacy is not only about deals and discussions, but also about shared values, cultural respect, and the building of personal bonds across borders.