US Vice President JD Vance, along with his wife Usha Vance and their three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—visited the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday. Calling it a “beautiful historic site,” Vance expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception he and his family received.
“Today I visited the Taj Mahal with Usha and the kids. It’s a beautiful historic site, and I’m grateful for the warm welcome we received there,” Vance shared on social media platform X, alongside captivating pictures of the family at the monument.
A Grand Welcome in Agra
To honour the high-profile visit, Agra was adorned with vibrant rangolis, sand art, and floral decorations stretching from the airport to the Taj. Flags of both India and the US lined the streets, accompanied by grand hoardings and banners celebrating the deepening ties between the two nations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally welcomed the Vance family at the airport. Security was on high alert, with the 12-km route from the airport to the monument designated a zero-traffic zone, guarded by Indian and US security forces working in coordination.
More Than Just a Sightseeing Tour
The Vance family’s visit was more than a cultural stop; it symbolised the deepening diplomatic ties between India and the United States. During his India tour, Vance also spoke at a trade event in Jaipur, defending President Donald Trump’s global trade strategy and unveiling key updates in bilateral trade negotiations.
“Our goal is to more than double bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by the end of the decade,” Vance announced.
He added that both countries have finalised the Terms of Reference for a US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement, focusing on job creation, supply chain resilience, and economic growth.
Strategic and Cultural Diplomacy
Vice President Vance lauded India’s role in the upcoming QUAD summit, praising the two nations’ aligned interests in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. He also highlighted the frequent joint military exercises between India and the US.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Vance family at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to stronger economic and security partnerships.
The Vances also visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Delhi, Amber Fort in Jaipur, and the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, combining official duties with cultural appreciation.
