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Key Points

US Vice President JD Vance landed in New Delhi with his family, kicking off his first official visit to India. The family headed straight to Akshardham Temple, reflecting Usha Vance’s Indian heritage. Later, Vance will meet PM Modi to discuss strengthening economic and defense ties. The trip also includes stops in Jaipur and Agra before departing on April 24.

Key Points: US VP JD Vance Visits Akshardham Temple With Family in India

  • JD Vance and family arrive in Delhi for 4-day India tour
  • Akshardham Temple visit highlights cultural ties with Usha Vance’s Indian roots
  • Bilateral talks with PM Modi to focus on trade and defense
  • Itinerary includes stops in Jaipur and Agra
2 min read

US Vice President JD Vance arrives in India, set to visit Akshardham Temple with family

US Vice President JD Vance begins India visit with Akshardham Temple tour ahead of key talks with PM Modi on trade and defense cooperation.

"The Vice President and the Second Lady are coming for the Darshan at Akshardham Temple... They will first have the darshan of the replica of Lord Swaminarayan and then see the temple’s architecture. – Radhika Shukla, Temple Spokesperson"

New Delhi, April 21

Earlier today, United States Vice President JD Vance arrived at Palam Airport in New Delhi for his first official visit to India. Accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance and their children, the Vice President received a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed the family at the airport, where hoardings bearing the Vice President's image had been put up in anticipation of the visit. Vice President Vance's four-day trip will run from April 21 to 24.

Shortly after their arrival, the Vance family is scheduled to visit the Akshardham Temple. Temple spokesperson Radhika Shukla said, "The Vice President and the Second Lady are coming for the Darshan at Akshardham Temple. She has Indian roots... They are coming here directly from the airport... They will first have the darshan of the replica of Lord Swaminarayan and then they will see the architecture of the temple, " she said.

Later today, Vice President Vance is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 6:30 pm at the Prime Minister's official residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. The meeting is expected to cover a range of issues, including economic cooperation, defence collaboration, and advancing bilateral trade ties.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a media briefing last week, said, "We have a comprehensive strategic global partnership; when you have that level of partnership with any country, obviously, you will discuss all relevant issues." He added, "Of course, our relationship is such that we are doing anything that is part of our human endeavour from part of our bilateral engagement ... so all these bilateral issues will be discussed and we are very positive that the visit will give a further boost to our bilateral ties."

Following engagements in New Delhi, the Vance family will travel to Jaipur on April 22 and Agra on April 23. The Vice President is scheduled to depart India on the early morning of April 24.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Wonderful to see the Vice President starting his visit with cultural appreciation at Akshardham! 🙏 The temple is truly an architectural marvel that showcases India's spiritual heritage. Hope his family enjoys the experience!
P
Priya M.
Interesting choice to visit Akshardham first - shows respect for Indian culture. Though I wish they'd also included some other religious sites to present a more complete picture of India's diversity.
A
Amit S.
The economic discussions with PM Modi will be crucial. With both countries being major economies, stronger trade ties could benefit workers and businesses on both sides. Fingers crossed for positive outcomes!
S
Sunita P.
So nice to see the whole family traveling together! The kids must be having an amazing experience learning about different cultures. Safe travels to Jaipur and Agra - don't miss the sunset at Taj Mahal! 🌅
V
Vikram J.
While the cultural aspects are nice, I hope the defense collaboration talks don't compromise India's strategic autonomy. We should be careful about becoming too dependent on any foreign power, even friendly ones.
N
Neha R.
The Akshardham visit is such a thoughtful gesture considering Second Lady Usha Vance's Indian roots. Cultural diplomacy at its best! Hope they try some authentic Indian food too - the chaat in Delhi is amazing! 😋

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