New Delhi [India], April 21– United States Vice President JD Vance kicked off his first official visit to India on Monday morning, arriving in New Delhi with his India-origin wife, Usha Vance, and their three children — Ewan, Vivek, and Maribel — who captured hearts with their traditional Indian attire.
The Vance family landed at Palam Airport, where they were warmly received by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The minister, dressed in a white kurta-pyjama, was seen conversing with Vance’s eldest son as they arrived. The visit, scheduled from April 21 to 24, aims to deepen strategic, economic, and defense ties between the two nations.
The children were the stars of the moment, with Ewan and Vivek wearing colorful kurta-pyjama sets in blue and yellow, while little Maribel charmed onlookers in a mini Anarkali-style suit paired with an embroidered jacket and sneakers. Vice President Vance, in a classic navy suit and red tie, was seen affectionately lifting his daughter as the family descended the aircraft stairs. Usha Vance complemented the scene in a chic red bodycon dress and white overcoat.
Following a ceremonial guard of honour at the airport, the Vance family is set for several high-level engagements. A key meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for 6:30 pm on April 21 at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Discussions are expected to cover trade, economic collaboration, and defense cooperation.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the visit’s importance, calling it a moment to “further boost bilateral ties” and reaffirm the strategic global partnership. Talks on a potential trade agreement with the US are also reportedly on the agenda.
After the official engagements in the capital, the Vance family will head to Jaipur on April 22 and Agra on April 23. Preparations are underway at the Taj Mahal for their visit, echoing the 2020 trip of former US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, the ancestral village of Usha Vance, Vadluru in the West Godavari district, is buzzing with excitement. Locals hope the family might make a surprise visit and are expressing immense pride in Usha Vance’s accomplishments.
This India tour follows a three-day visit to Italy, where Vice President Vance met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and religious leaders including Pope Francis. The visit concludes on April 24, with departure from New Delhi scheduled for 6:40 am.