Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a bilateral meeting with US Vice President JD Vance on Monday at his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi. This marks Vance's first official visit to India, during which he was accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
The discussions between the two leaders come at a critical time, as India seeks to finalise a trade deal aimed at preventing the reactivation of Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, which had been temporarily paused for three months.
The talks are expected to focus on accelerating the negotiation process for a trade agreement between India and the US, addressing key issues related to economic ties and trade imbalances.
Vance’s India visit
Upon his arrival in Delhi on Monday, Vance visited the iconic Swaminarayan Akshardham temple, accompanied by his family. The temple, known for its architectural grandeur, left the Vice President visibly impressed.
He expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his family, particularly highlighting the precision and care with which the temple had been built. "Thank you so much for your hospitality and kindness in welcoming me and my family to this beautiful place," Vance remarked, adding that his children thoroughly enjoyed the visit.
Following the temple visit, Vance and his family explored the Central Cottage Industries Emporium in Janpath, a popular destination for traditional Indian handicrafts. The Vice President and his family purchased several items, including papier-mâché goods, pottery, honey, and tea bags.
Meera Somani, the showroom’s manager, shared that the Vances were particularly appreciative of the store’s offerings, noting how they spent considerable time browsing and shopping. Store manager Vinay Agrawal highlighted the significance of the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, describing it as one of Asia’s largest centers for handicrafts, renowned for its hand-crafted goods.
Vance’s wife, Usha, also showed great interest in the artisanal items, and they purchased various souvenirs, including brass pieces and small gifts for their children. The family’s visit was warm and engaging, with the Vances described as humble and appreciative of the local craftsmanship.
Also Read: JD Vance's wife Usha traces her origins to Andhra Pradesh
Security and high-level talks
With Vance’s visit drawing significant attention, security in Delhi has been heightened. The Vice President’s four-day trip includes key engagements in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, with senior officials from the Pentagon and the State Department accompanying him. The Vice President's schedule includes not only cultural engagements but also critical meetings with Indian leadership.
Vance’s discussions with PM Modi in the evening are expected to center around finalising a trade agreement and strengthening India-US strategic and economic ties, especially in light of rising trade tensions between the US and China. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval are also anticipated to participate in the talks.
The Ministry of External Affairs indicated that the visit would provide an opportunity to review the progress of India-US relations and discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. “We are optimistic that this visit will further strengthen our bilateral ties,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Itinerary and cultural engagements
Following the meetings in Delhi, Vance and his family are scheduled to travel to Jaipur on Tuesday. During their time in the city, they will visit the historic Amer Fort and other cultural landmarks, experiencing Rajasthan's rich heritage.
Later in the day, the Vice President will address an event at the Rajasthan International Centre, where diplomats, policy experts, and government officials will gather to discuss the evolving trajectory of India-US relations under the Trump administration.
On Wednesday, Vance and his family will travel to Agra to visit the iconic Taj Mahal and Shilpgram, an open-air emporium showcasing Indian handicrafts. They will return to Jaipur later in the evening before concluding their visit.
This trip marks an important moment in the strengthening of India-US ties, with the Vice President's visit fostering greater cultural exchange and paving the way for enhanced diplomatic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
Also Read: Vance accorded Guard of Honour on first official India visit
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