United States Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance and their three children, began his four-day official visit to India with a spiritual stop at Delhi’s Akshardham Temple on Monday morning.
Arriving directly from the airport, the Vance family spent nearly an hour exploring the temple complex. They admired its intricate carvings, visited the Bharat Upvan garden, and offered prayers for world peace at the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Swaminarayan.
Temple spokesperson Radhika Shukla described their visit as “unforgettable,” noting the family’s deep appreciation for the temple’s architecture and cultural significance. “They were very overwhelmed by the carvings. After having darshan of the idol of Lord Swaminarayan, they prayed for world peace,” she said.
This marks Vice President Vance’s first official trip to India, scheduled from April 21 to 24, with visits planned to Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. He was warmly received at Palam Airport by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and given a ceremonial Guard of Honour. Hoardings welcoming the US delegation were also seen near the airport.
The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the US Vice President via a social media post, saying the visit would “further deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”
Later today, Vance is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Strengthening ties in trade, defence, and economic cooperation is expected to top the agenda.
Following official meetings in Delhi, the Vance family will continue their visit with trips to Jaipur on Tuesday and Agra on April 23, before concluding the visit on April 24.
The trip comes after Vice President Vance’s recent visit to Italy, where he met with Pope Francis and other top Vatican officials over the Easter weekend.
