JD Vance Begins First India Visit, Offers Prayers at Akshardham

US Vice President JD Vance arrived at Palam airport on Monday, April 21, for a visit lasting four days to India with his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children. A guard of honor and a dance performance greeted the delegation. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the visit will deepen the India–US Strategic Partnership.

After landing, Vance and his family traveled to Akshardham Temple. Temple spokesperson Radhika Shukla said the vice president and his children viewed intricate carvings and received souvenirs to mark the visit.

Security measures were in place across Delhi and Noida, resulting in vehicle restrictions on roads and a traffic jam on National Highway 24. Delhi traffic authorities issued route advisories for commuters to avoid delays.

The Vance family is staying at the ITC Maurya Sheraton hotel in Chanakyapuri. Later Monday, they depart for Jaipur to stay at Rambagh Palace, the former royal guesthouse.

On Tuesday, the vice president will tour Amer Fort and address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre. In the evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner at his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Discussions will focus on trade, economy and security.

India and the US aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Observers say Vance’s trip could pave the way for a bilateral trade agreement this year.

In Vadluru village in West Godavari district, where Usha Vance’s family originates, residents expressed hope the vice president will visit their community.

Vance’s India visit follows a trip to Italy during the Easter weekend, where he met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Vatican officials, including Pope Francis.