US Vice President J.D. Vance Visits Taj Mahal with Family in Agra

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- US Vice President J.D. Vance visited Agra with family.
- Warm welcome by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
- Visit included the iconic Taj Mahal.
- Vance praised PM Modi's leadership and negotiation skills.
- Focus on strengthening US-India relations.
Agra, April 23 (NationPress) US Vice President J.D. Vance, along with his wife Usha Vance and their three children -- Ivan, Vivek, and Mirabel -- arrived in Agra on Wednesday during his ongoing visit to India, receiving a warm reception from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Upon landing in Agra, the Vance family headed straight to the famed Taj Mahal.
CM Yogi shared photos from the visit on X, stating, "A warm welcome to Hon'ble US Vice President J.D. Vance and his family to Uttar Pradesh, the sacred heartland of India, known for its enduring devotion, vibrant culture, and spiritual heritage.
Security measures in Agra were intensified ahead of this prestigious visit, with personnel stationed along significant routes and near tourist sites.
Vice President Vance, who landed in New Delhi on Monday with a high-profile delegation, commenced his tour of India with a visit to the Akshardham Temple in the capital. He subsequently engaged in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After their meeting, the Vance family traveled to Jaipur late at night.
In Jaipur, the Vice President and his family explored the historic Amer Fort. Riding in an open jeep from the Hathi Stand, Vance admired the fort's outer walls, Mavtha Sarovar, and Kesar Kyari Bagh, immersing himself in the heritage of the Pink City. Their visit to the fort included lively cultural performances and traditional Rajasthani hospitality.
Addressing the audience at the Rajasthan International Centre later that day, Vance commended PM Modi's leadership, saying, "I told Prime Minister Modi last night -- he has approval ratings that would make me envious."
He described PM Modi as a "very tough negotiator" who "fights fiercely for India's commercial interests."
Discussing India-US relations, Vance emphasized, "The US and India will progress together through mutual cooperation across various sectors."
He reiterated the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and highlighted the strategic significance of the India-US partnership, asserting, "The 21st century will be defined by the strength of this relationship."
Vance also presented three fundamental pillars that will guide the expanding collaboration between the two nations -- defending nations, building extraordinary things, and innovating with advanced technologies.
Underlining President Trump's global economic vision, Vance stated, "President Trump aims to rebalance global trade so that the US, along with allies like India, can forge a better future."
This visit by the US Vice President signifies a crucial moment in bilateral relations, with both nations expected to pursue deeper cooperation in areas such as defense, infrastructure, technology, and innovation.