Against the backdrop of intensifying global trade tensions and the scent of a long-anticipated deal in the air, US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Delhi for his maiden official visit to India — a four-day diplomatic dance rich in ceremony, symbolism, and strategic significance.
The personal touch of his visit is undeniable as it’s expected to blend high-level talks with cultural immersion.
His family — his Indian-origin wife, Usha, and their three children, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabe, accompanied him. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed the family. Later, the Vance children were spotted donning traditional Indian attire, capturing the spirit of cultural exchange from the very first moment.
Security across the capital has been dialled up as Delhi prepares for a flurry of high-profile meetings. The American Vice President, flanked by senior officials from the Pentagon and the State Department, is here not just to sightsee but to secure strategic wins. His headline engagement: a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening to discuss a bilateral trade agreement currently being fast-tracked amidst tariff concerns and global economic recalibrations.
According to reports, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, are expected to be part of the discussions.
With Washington eyeing tighter ties in Asia while navigating a tense relationship with Beijing, this visit could be a key moment in India-US relations.
The vice president, often dubbed Trump’s second-in-command, began his India tour with a spiritual stop at Delhi’s iconic Swaminarayan Akshardham temple, followed by a stroll through a bustling handicrafts market — offering the family a first-hand glimpse into India’s vibrant artistic traditions. The Vances are staying at the ITC Maurya Sheraton, known for hosting dignitaries from around the globe.
The entourage will be off to Jaipur on Tuesday, where history and heritage await. From the majestic Amer Fort to the bustling bazaars of the Pink City, the Vances will immerse themselves in Rajasthan’s royal past. Later, Vance is set to deliver an address at the Rajasthan International Centre, where diplomats, scholars, and policymakers will listen keenly to his vision for the future of India-US relations under the Trump administration.
Wednesday brings a visit to the Taj Mahal, followed by an exploration of Shilpgram, an open-air treasure trove of Indian handicrafts. The family will return to Jaipur that evening before concluding their India sojourn.
From palace halls to policy rooms, the US Vice President’s visit promises to be a blend of tradition, diplomacy, and strategic recalibration — setting the tone for a renewed chapter in the ever-evolving India-US partnership.
