Vice President of the United States JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their children, visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra on Wednesday. The family admired the architectural beauty and posed for photos at the historic monument. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally welcomed the Vance family, as Agra was decked up to greet the high-profile visitors. Security was tightened in and around the Taj Mahal for their visit.
First Official Visit to India
This marks JD Vance’s first official trip to India. He arrived at Delhi’s Palam airport on Monday, April 21, along with his family after completing a visit to Italy. The Vance family was received by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and JD Vance was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival.
Stopovers in Jaipur and Agra
During his tour, Vance and his family visited Jaipur on Tuesday, where they explored the historic Amer Fort. He also addressed a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre, speaking on the evolving India-US relationship. The family landed in Agra on Wednesday to tour the Taj Mahal and will return to Jaipur later in the day. They are scheduled to leave India on Thursday morning.
Praises for PM Modi, Criticism of Past US Policies
Speaking in Jaipur, JD Vance commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and stressed the need for a more balanced approach between economic goals and diplomatic ties. He criticized earlier US administrations, saying they had often treated India with “an attitude of preachiness or even…condescension.”
Condolences for Pahalgam Attack Victims
Vance also expressed his sorrow over the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which occurred during the second day of his India visit. He extended condolences to the victims, calling the incident “devastating.”
Strategic Talks with Modi
On the first day of his visit, Vance met with PM Modi to discuss strengthening cooperation in energy, defence, and strategic technologies. Both leaders welcomed the progress on negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, emphasizing its focus on public welfare in both nations.
