US Vice President J.D. Vance, his wife Usha, and their three children—Ivan, Vivek, and Mirabel—arrived in Agra on Wednesday as part of his continued visit to India. The Vance family was greeted warmly by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath upon arrival.
Upon arrival in Agra, the Vance family went straight to the world-famous Taj Mahal, continuing their tour of India's cultural icons.
Posting pictures from the visit on X, CM Yogi wrote, "A heartwarming welcome to Hon'ble US Vice President J.D. Vance and his family to Uttar Pradesh, the sacred heartland of India, famous for its age-old devotion, live culture, and spiritual heritage."
Security has been tightened ahead of the star-studded visit in Agra, with special personnel deployed at major routes and tourist areas for security purposes.
Vance, who came to New Delhi earlier on Monday with a senior delegation, kicked off his visit to India at the Akshardham Temple in the capital. He afterwards met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Vance family afterwards departed for Jaipur late that evening.
The Vice President and his family in Jaipur went to the Amer Fort, which is historic, took a ride in an open jeep through a beautiful view of the fort's outer ramparts, Mavtha Sarovar, and Kesar Kyari Bagh. The trip was followed by colorful cultural performances, featuring a glimpse of authentic Rajasthani hospitality.
Vance complimented the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, saying in a speech at Rajasthan International Centre, "I said to Prime Minister Modi last evening -- he's got approval ratings that make me envious." He called Modi a "fierce negotiator" who "battles stoutly for Indian commercial interests."
For the India-US ties, Vance placed a great importance on the collaboration between the two countries by stating, "The US and India will move ahead together through collaboration in many spheres." He reaffirmed the commitment of the US to a free and open Indo-Pacific by stating the strategic relevance of the relationship between the US and India and adding, "The 21st century will be determined by the health of this relationship."
Vance described three main pillars that would characterize the increasing cooperation between the two nations—defending nations, constructing great things, and innovating with advanced technologies.
Referring to President Trump's vision for global economic growth, Vance said, "President Trump wants to rebalance global trade so that the US, along with allies like India, can build a better future."
The visit is a critical milestone in bilateral relations between the US and India, where both sides are likely to deepen cooperation on issues of defense, infrastructure, technology, and innovation.
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