As part of his first official visit to India, US Vice President JD Vance started his Delhi schedule with cultural visits and high-level meetings, making headlines throughout the capital. Vance, joined by Second Lady Usha Vance and their three kids, visited the Akshardham Temple and Central Cottage Industries Emporium in Janpath on Monday, with traffic on the major Delhi roads grinding to a halt because of his movements.
Cultural Trip to Akshardham Makes Lasting Impression
JD Vance and his relatives were warmly received at the iconic Akshardham Temple in New Delhi. Talking about their visit, Radhika Shukla, the temple spokesperson, stated, “A souvenir was handed over to them so that their unforgettable memories last a lifetime. When he was taking a darshan at Akshardham Temple, he particularly enjoyed the artwork, the messages provided here, and the cultural sculptures here.” His kids enjoyed it a lot as well. They felt the culture and tradition of our nation.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Akshardham Temple, Radhika Shukla, Akshardham Temple Spokesperson says, “A souvenir was given to them so that their unforgettable memories remain forever. When he was having a darshan at Akshardham Temple, he really liked… pic.twitter.com/YreJxg30Nx
— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2025
Reiterating the sentiments, temple volunteer Meera Sondagar further said, “US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife and children, paid a visit to the Akshardham Temple. There were several arrangements made for his security. He was received by the saints and our volunteers, and he was taken to see the whole Akshardham Temple. He was impressed a lot by the Gajendra Peeth, and he felt peaceful while visiting the temple.”
VIDEO | On US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Akshardham Temple in New Delhi, Meera Sondagar, a volunteer, says, “US Vice President JD Vance, along with his wife and children, visited the Akshardham Temple. Several arrangements were made for his security. He was welcomed by… pic.twitter.com/qdLsJSru41
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 21, 2025
Vance Family Goes Shopping for Indian Handicrafts
In another cultural interaction, JD Vance went to the Central Cottage Industries Emporium in Janpath. The emporium, which is famous for its display of traditional Indian crafts and art pieces, is a regular haunt for visiting dignitaries wishing to experience India’s artisanal heritage.
#WATCH | Delhi: US Vice President JD Vance leaves from Central Cottage Industries Emporium in Janpath pic.twitter.com/4UqKa8sCaY
— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2025
While the visit enchanted cultural circles, Delhi and Noida commuters weren’t so delighted. Major highways, especially NH-24, saw humongous traffic snarls on Monday morning owing to increased security and traffic restrictions for JD Vance’s travel.
Delhi Traffic Police had previously put out advisories requesting people to steer clear of roads such as IP Marg, ITO Crossing, Sardar Patel Marg, and Dhaula Kuan Flyover between 9am and 12pm and again between 6pm and 9pm. Illegally parked vehicles were towed and penalized. Diversions were put in place at strategic intersections such as Shanti Path and Tughlaq Road Roundabout, while people were encouraged to use Vande Mataram Marg or public transport.
Luxury Stays in Delhi and Jaipur
The Vance family is currently staying at the ITC Maurya Sheraton in New Delhi, a luxury hotel known for hosting world leaders. The hotel features 411 rooms, 26 suites, and celebrated restaurants such as Bukhara and Dum Pukht.
On Monday evening, they will be traveling to Jaipur and staying at the legendary Rambagh Palace. Managed by Taj Hotels, Rambagh Palace was the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace is now a heritage hotel with opulent suites and royal dining areas such as Suvarna Mahal, which is located in an 18th-century-style ballroom.
Vice President JD Vance’s India visit extends up to April 24, with Jaipur and Agra as scheduled destinations, with an aim to further the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
