New Delhi: US Vice-President JD Vance kicked off his four-day visit to India on Monday, marking the first visit by a sitting US Vice-President to the country in over a decade. Accompanied by his Indian-origin wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, and their three children, the visit focuses on bolstering bilateral ties, finalizing a long-anticipated trade pact, and reviewing global and regional issues of mutual interest.
The high-profile visit began in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host Vance for bilateral talks and a formal dinner at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, later in the evening. Key discussions are expected to center on the India-US trade agreement and enhancing strategic cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar are also expected to join the talks, alongside a five-member high-level US delegation comprising senior officials from the Pentagon and the State Department.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “The visit provides an opportunity for both nations to review progress in bilateral ties and implementation of the outcomes of the India-US Joint Statement issued on February 13 during the Prime Minister’s visit to the US. It will also include an exchange of views on pressing regional and global developments.”
After completing engagements in the capital, Vance will travel to Jaipur on April 21, where cultural diplomacy takes center stage. On April 22, the Vice-President and his family will tour the historic Amer Palace. A traditional Rajasthani welcome awaits them, complete with folk performances, puppet shows, and regional cuisine. The palace will be closed to the public during the visit, with 12 trained guides assigned to maintain protocol and assist the guests. The Vance family is expected to don traditional Jodhpuri safas as part of the cultural experience.
Later that day, Vance will deliver the keynote address at the US-India Business Summit at the Rajasthan International Centre. The summit will bring together top policymakers, business leaders, and officials from both countries, with the Vice-President expected to outline a forward-looking vision for stronger bilateral trade and investment partnerships.
Historic Monuments and High-Level Meetings
On April 23, Vance will visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, spending nearly three hours at the monument before returning to Jaipur. The day will also include a visit to the Jaipur City Palace.
Additionally, the US Vice-President is scheduled to meet Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Governor Haribhau Bagade on April 22, underscoring the importance of sub-national cooperation in India-US relations.
A Visit to Strengthen a Growing Partnership
Vice-President Vance will wrap up his India visit on April 24 and depart for Washington, DC. The trip is widely seen as a milestone in strengthening India-US ties, reaffirming commitments on economic collaboration, defense, regional security, and shared global challenges.
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