US Vice President JD Vance, during his first official tour to India, stepped into the prestigious Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi on Monday just after landed at Palam Air Force Station. Taking along wife Second Lady Usha Vance and his 3 children, the Vice President wanted to initiate his India journey by having a religious experience.
The Vance clan was warmly received at the temple complex by adhering to time-honoured hospitality norms.
VIDEO | US Vice President JD Vance (@VP), accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their three children, visits the Akshardham Temple in Delhi.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/gNo2p1EOPz
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 21, 2025
The Akshardham complex, which is famous for its complex architecture and spiritual environment, is usually a point of obligatory visitation for foreign officials in India. JD Vance’s visit to the temple is the start of a four-day diplomatic visit that comprises top-level interactions with Indian officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
#WATCH | Delhi: Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, along with their children, reach Akshardham Temple. pic.twitter.com/y0D2zp1lBi
— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2025
Usha Vance’s Indian Heritage: A Personal Connection to India
US Vice President JD Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, has personal connections to India, as she is of Indian heritage. Her Indian heritage lends a special meaning to her visit to the nation, with her engagement in cultural and spiritual activities, such as a visit to the Akshardham Temple. This bond brings a significant layer to the Vance family’s diplomatic visit to India, emphasizing the synergy of diplomatic relations and personal relationships that further dignify their journey.
The Vice President’s schedule also involves traveling to Jaipur and Agra, and holding strategic discussions with an eye on a possible bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States.
Before he visited Akshardham Temple, spokesperson Radhika Shukla stated the visit was particularly significant, particularly considering Usha Vance’s Indian heritage. “The Vice President and the Second Lady are visiting for the Darshan at Akshardham Temple. She has Indian heritage. They are arriving here straight from the airport. They will have the darshan of the replica of Lord Swaminarayan first, and then they will view the architecture of the temple.” We are informed that they can arrive at any time after 11 am.” Shukla said.
#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from the Akshardham Temple where Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, along with their children, will visit shortly.
Akshardham Temple Spokesperson Radhika Shukla says, “The Vice President and the Second Lady are coming… pic.twitter.com/yEKwdZemVj
— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2025
Akshardham Temple: A Symbol of Global Reverence
Several influential world leaders have made a pilgrimage to India and the iconic Akshardham Temple on official visits, drawn by its divine appeal and grandeur. President Barack Obama did a temple visit during his visit in 2010, whereas his successor, Bill Clinton, also had on his agenda a visit to Akshardham for his 2001 tour in India.
The temple’s splendor was visited by Prince Charles of Britain in 2013, bolstering cultural diplomacy further. David Cameron, the former UK Prime Minister, also visited in the same year as part of his diplomacy with India. The temple was also visited by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in 2018, a sign of respect and religious affinity.
These visits confirm Akshardham’s significance as a cultural icon of India’s rich heritage, drawing attention from around the world.
