PM Modi congratulates US VP Vance, Second Lady on birth of fourth child during call, conveys best wishes
New Delhi, August 9
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance on the birth of their fourth child during a phone conversation, while the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
In a post shared on X on Saturday, the Prime Minister stated that the two leaders reviewed avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation across key areas and also covered his "best wishes" on the birth of their third son and fourth child.
"Received a phone call from US Vice President JD Vance. We discussed ways to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across key areas. Warmly congratulated him and the Second Lady on the birth of their son and conveyed best wishes to the entire family," the post read.
The congratulatory message comes weeks after Vance and Usha Vance welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy named Alec Neel Vance, on July 19.
Vance had announced the birth in a post on X, saying that the baby and Usha were "happy and healthy" and that their other children were "overjoyed to meet their little brother."
The couple also thanked the medical teams at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the White House Medical Unit for their care.
Alec Neel joins the couple's three older children -- sons Ewan and Vivek and daughter Mirabel. The birth marked the first time in more than 150 years that a sitting US Vice President had a child while in office, with the previous known instance dating back to 1870, when then-Vice President Schuyler Colfax and his wife had a son.
Vance and Usha have been married since 2014 and met while studying at Yale Law School. Their fourth child's birth has drawn attention in the US, given its historical distinction as well as the Vances' position as the country's second family.
The latest phone call between Modi and Vance comes as India and the US continue efforts to deepen their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across a range of areas of mutual interest.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian-American, this fills me with pride! Usha Vance balancing her role as Second Lady and mother to four kids is inspiring. And PM Modi taking time to personally congratulate them really highlights the special bond our two countries share. Also, 'Alec Neel' is such a sweet name - I love how they've incorporated cultural elements!
Good diplomacy! But let's also focus on the real substance of India-US relations beyond photo ops and personal calls. We need concrete outcomes on trade, technology transfer, and defense cooperation. A congratulations call is nice, but I hope the actual strategic partnership discussions were more substantive.
This is so lovely! PM Modi's personal touch in international relations sets him apart. And can we just appreciate that a VP having a child while in office hasn't happened in 150 years? That's such a unique milestone. Also, the way they've given the baby an Indian middle name (Neel) while honoring both cultures is beautiful. Wishing the Vance family all the best! 🙏
As an American watching from abroad, it's genuinely touching to see the respect PM Modi shows to our VP and his family. This personal diplomacy is what builds lasting international relationships. And kudos to JD and Usha for managing all those kids while running the country - that's no small feat!
The India-US relationship is really special right now! Seeing PM Modi congratulate the Vances on such a personal occasion while simultaneously discussing strategic matters shows multi-dimensional diplomacy. Also, Alec Neel Vance is a beautiful name that connects American and Indian heritage. May this little one
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