US Vice President JD Vance received a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival at Palam Airport in New Delhi on Monday, marking the start of his first official visit to India. Accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance and their children, the Vice President was warmly received by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with welcome hoardings displayed near the airport to commemorate the occasion.
Vance’s four-day visit, from April 21 to 24, is aimed at deepening bilateral ties between India and the United States, with a focus on strengthening economic, trade, and defense cooperation. A key highlight of the visit is his scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 6:30 pm today at the Prime Minister’s official residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.
After official engagements in the capital, the Vance family will travel to Jaipur on Tuesday and visit Agra, including the historic Taj Mahal, on April 23. His visit will conclude with his departure on the morning of April 24.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the visit as “crucial,” noting that all relevant bilateral issues, including ongoing discussions on a potential trade agreement, will be on the agenda. “We have a comprehensive strategic global partnership… all these bilateral issues will be discussed, and we are very positive that the visit will further boost our ties,” Jaiswal said.
Vance’s arrival in India follows a three-day visit to Italy, where he held bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, met Church officials including Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and had an audience with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday.
The visit to India underscores the growing strategic cooperation between the two nations and highlights the personal connection Vice President Vance shares with the country through his Indian-origin wife, Usha Vance.
