JD Vance Arrives in India: Taj Mahal Visit, Meeting with PM Modi & What's More on Cards
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United States Vice President JD Vance will arrive in India on Monday morning, marking the beginning of his maiden official visit to the country. Landing at the Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi at approximately 9:30 am IST aboard Air Force Two, Vance will be accompanied by his Indian-origin wife, Usha Vance, their children, and a high-level delegation of senior US administration officials.
His four-day tour, which will run until April 24, will come at a critical juncture amid escalating global trade frictions, notably following President Donald Trump's announcement of a 26% tariff on Indian imports as part of a broader protectionist economic strategy.
#WATCH | Delhi: Hoardings of US Vice President JD Vance, put up near Palam airport and Chanakyapuri area, ahead of his arrival on 21st April
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2025
US Vice President JD Vance will be on his first official visit to India from 21 to 24 April. He will be accompanied by Second Lady Usha… pic.twitter.com/9G9fmsEYbr
Shortly after his arrival, JD Vance will receive a formal welcome ceremony at 10:00 am IST. Hoardings with welcome messages will be placed around the airport and main city arteries to commemorate the visit. The day’s most significant engagement will be his scheduled meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which will be held at 6:30 pm at the PM’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.
The high-level discussions between Vance and Modi are expected to focus on advancing the India-US trade agreement and identifying new avenues for strengthening the strategic partnership between the two democracies. Given Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22–23, the meeting will be both crucial and timely. The Indian delegation for this meeting will include External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
While political talks will form the backbone of the visit, the Vance family will also take time to engage with India's cultural heritage. They will visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple, a marvel of modern Indian architecture and spirituality, followed by a stop at a local market known for traditional Indian crafts and textiles.
Later in the evening, the family will board a flight to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital city, where they will be welcomed by the state’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Governor Kalraj Mishra. They will stay at the iconic Rambagh Palace, a heritage hotel known for its royal legacy and regal ambiance.
On April 22, the second day of the visit, Vice President Vance and his family will begin exploring Jaipur’s rich history and architectural beauty. Their itinerary will include a guided tour of the Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate design and historical importance. The family will also visit other famous landmarks, including the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jantar Mantar (an astronomical observatory), and several artisan hubs showcasing Rajasthani culture.
In the afternoon, Vice President Vance will deliver a keynote speech at the Rajasthan International Centre. The address will focus on the evolving dynamics of India-US relations under the current Trump administration. The event will be attended by various dignitaries, including diplomats, government officials, policy experts, and academics.
On the third day of the trip, April 23, the Vance family will travel to Agra to visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. They will also explore Shilpgram, an open-air market celebrating traditional Indian crafts and rural artistry. After completing their sightseeing, the family will return to Jaipur in the evening.
The official visit will conclude on April 24, with Vice President Vance and his family scheduled to depart from Jaipur, wrapping up a significant and multifaceted diplomatic engagement with India.
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