United States Vice President JD Vance landed in New Delhi on Monday morning to begin his maiden official visit to India. Accompanied by his wife and children, Vance is on a four-day tour from April 21 to 24, aimed at deepening bilateral ties between India and the United States.
The visit began with a ceremonial Guard of Honour extended to the US Vice President upon his arrival at Palam airport. This marks the first time JD Vance is visiting India in his official capacity.
Later today, Vance will hold a formal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the PM’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders will engage in comprehensive discussions focusing on bolstering cooperation in areas of trade, defence, and economic development. “The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties further,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Before the meeting, Vance is scheduled to visit the iconic Akshardham Temple in East Delhi. The spiritual site, situated on the road connecting Delhi with Noida and Ghaziabad, witnessed heightened security and traffic curbs due to the high-profile visit. Despite a traffic advisory issued in advance, several commuters faced major delays and expressed frustration over the peak-hour restrictions.
Following his engagements in the capital, the Vice President will travel to Jaipur on Tuesday, April 22, before heading to Agra the next day. On April 23, JD Vance and his family will visit the world-renowned Taj Mahal, which has been specially prepared for their arrival. The UNESCO World Heritage monument has previously hosted numerous global dignitaries, including former US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in 2020.
Adding a personal dimension to the visit, the small village of Vadluru in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district — the ancestral home of Vance's wife, Usha Vance — is reportedly brimming with excitement. The family connection has sparked curiosity and pride among locals, even though a visit to the village is not on the official itinerary.
