US Vice President JD Vance Visits Akshardham Temple with Family
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Synopsis
United States Vice President J.D. Vance visited Akshardham Temple with his family during his first official trip to India, highlighting the importance of strengthening US-India relations amid ongoing trade discussions.
Key Takeaways
- J.D. Vance's visit signifies a pivotal diplomatic engagement.
- The focus is on enhancing US-India relations.
- Discussions will cover trade, security, and economic collaboration.
- The Vice President is accompanied by a high-level delegation.
- His trip includes cultural visits to Agra and Jaipur.
New Delhi, April 21 (NationPress) United States Vice President J.D. Vance, along with his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri Vance and their three children, visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple shortly after arriving in India for a significant four-day visit intended to strengthen bilateral relations.
Vice President Vance, who initiated his overseas journey with a stop in Italy on Friday, arrived at the Air Force Station in Palam, New Delhi, earlier today.
This visit is notable as it marks a crucial diplomatic event and the first engagement by a sitting US Vice President in India in over ten years, with the last visit by Joe Biden in 2013.
Upon his arrival, Vance was welcomed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the airport.
The purpose of this visit underscores the renewed commitment to enhancing US-India relations, especially amid ongoing discussions concerning a long-anticipated bilateral trade agreement and increased strategic collaboration.
Usha Chilukuri Vance, who has familial ties to Andhra Pradesh, is traveling with their children—Ewan (7), Vivek (4), and Mirabel (2). However, it is not yet known if the family will connect with relatives during their stay.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to host Vice President Vance for formal discussions followed by a private dinner at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, on Monday evening.
Key officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar are expected to participate in these discussions.
Sources indicate that the leaders will address a variety of topics, including trade, regional security, and avenues for enhancing technological and economic partnerships between the world’s two largest democracies.
Vance’s visit arrives at a pivotal moment, with trade agreement discussions gaining renewed energy. These talks, initially set in motion by former President Donald Trump’s extensive tariffs, are now entering a new chapter.
Currently, the US has levied a 26 percent tariff on imports, while India faces a baseline rate of 10 percent—consistent with the norm for most US trading partners aside from China—during a 90-day pause in the broader tariff implementation.
This marks Vice President Vance’s first trip to India and his second bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi, following their earlier encounter earlier this year in Paris during the AI Summit.
Subsequently, PM Modi visited Washington for his first official engagement with the current US President since returning to office.
The Vice President is accompanied by a high-level delegation from the US, including representatives from the Pentagon and the State Department. The itinerary also features visits to Agra and Jaipur, adding a cultural dimension to the strategic agenda.
This is the second notable visit by a senior official from the Trump administration during the current term. In March, Tulsi Gabbard, serving as the Director of National Intelligence, visited India to participate in the Raisina Dialogue and engage with top Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Modi.
Vice President Vance’s visit reflects the increasing importance both nations place on their developing partnership, setting the stage for more high-level interactions as the global geopolitical and economic landscape continues to evolve.
