Vice President JD Vance Begins First Official Visit to India, Children Win Hearts in Traditional Attire
U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in India on Monday morning, marking the beginning of his first official visit to the country. Accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance — who traces her roots to India — and their three children, the Vice President received a warm welcome at Palam Airport in New Delhi.
The spotlight, however, was quickly stolen by the couple’s children — Ewan, Vivek, and little Maribel — who delighted onlookers with their traditional Indian outfits. Ewan and Vivek wore vibrant kurta-pyjama sets in blue and bright yellow, stylishly paired with sneakers, while toddler Maribel turned heads in a miniature Anarkali-style suit topped with a beautifully embroidered jacket.
JD Vance, dressed in a classic navy blue suit and red tie, was seen lifting his daughter affectionately as the family descended the aircraft stairs. Usha Vance complemented the formal tone of the occasion in a striking red bodycon dress layered with a white overcoat.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed the Vance family at the airport. Dressed in a traditional white kurta-pyjama, he was seen engaging in a friendly exchange with Ewan, the eldest of the Vance children. Hoardings welcoming the Vice President had been placed around Palam Airport in anticipation of the visit.
A ceremonial guard of honour was accorded to the Vice President and his delegation, officially commencing the high-level diplomatic trip, which will run from April 21 to 24. The visit aims to strengthen strategic, economic, and defence ties between India and the United States.
Later in the day, Vice President Vance is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg at 6:30 PM, where both leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including trade, technology, defence partnerships, and regional cooperation.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted the significance of the bilateral engagement, saying, “We have a comprehensive strategic global partnership… all relevant issues will be discussed. We are very positive that the visit will give a further boost to our bilateral ties.” He also acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding a potential trade agreement.
Following the official meetings in Delhi, the Vance family is scheduled to travel to Jaipur on April 22 and Agra on April 23, where preparations are already underway for their visit to the Taj Mahal — an iconic monument previously visited by global dignitaries, including former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in 2020.
Adding a personal dimension to the trip, excitement is brewing in Vadluru village in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, Usha Vance’s ancestral home. Locals have expressed pride in her achievements and are hopeful the family may make a surprise visit to the village.
This India tour comes shortly after the Vance family concluded a three-day visit to Italy, where the Vice President met with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis.
Vice President JD Vance’s India visit will conclude on April 24, with his scheduled departure set for 6:40 AM.
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