[Watch] JD Vance Arrives in India for First Official Visit; To Meet PM Modi Today

New Delhi: US Vice President JD Vance arrived in New Delhi early Monday morning to begin his first official visit to India, accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Vance, their children, and senior members of the US administration. The four-day diplomatic trip, scheduled from April 21 to April 24, aims to bolster Indo-US ties across trade, defence, and strategic cooperation.

#WATCH | Delhi: Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, along with their children, at Palam airport.

Vice President JD Vance is on his first official visit to India and will meet PM Modi later today. pic.twitter.com/LBDQES2mz1

— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2025

Ceremonial Welcome at Palam Airport, Ashwini Vaishnaw receives him

JD Vance touched down at Delhi’s Palam Air Force Station around 9:30 am IST, where he was received by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. Welcome hoardings bearing his image were displayed along the approach roads to the airport and in key areas across the capital. Vance and his family  visited Delhi’s Akshardham temple after arrival in India. At the airport, his children were spotted wearing Kurta pyjamas and anarkalis.

A very warm welcome to @VP JD Vance, @SLOTUS Mrs. Usha Vance, & the U.S. 🇺🇸 delegation to 🇮🇳! Received by Minister of Railways and I&B @AshwiniVaishnaw at the airport.

The Official Visit (21–24 Apr) spanning Delhi, Jaipur & Agra is expected to further deepen the India–U.S.… pic.twitter.com/EAb8eto33N

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 21, 2025

Vance’s arrival drew significant attention, not only for its diplomatic importance but also for its cultural connection. His wife Usha Vance (née Chilukuri) traces her roots to Vadluru village in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district. Residents there have expressed hope that the Second Family may make a brief stop during their visit.

Meeting with Prime Minister Modi

One of the visit’s key highlights will be JD Vance’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for 6:30 pm today (April 21) at the PM’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The leaders are expected to deliberate on enhancing bilateral cooperation amid growing global trade tensions and regional geopolitical shifts.

Family-Centric Itinerary Includes Jaipur & Agra visit

The Vice President’s India schedule includes a cultural touch. On Tuesday, the Vances will travel to Jaipur, followed by a visit to Agra on April 23, where preparations are in full swing at the Taj Mahal—a favorite stop for world leaders. The trip concludes on Thursday, April 24, with the family departing at 6:40 am.

US-India: A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed that such high-level visits reflect the Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership between India and the United States. “All relevant issues will be discussed,” he said.

Vance’s visit is being seen as a significant step toward expanding mutual trust and cooperation between the world’s largest democracies.

His visit to India is being regarded as a significant diplomatic initiative by the Trump administration. This comes at a time when the US is locked in an escalating trade conflict with China, which is India’s primary regional competitor.

It also shows Washington’s intent to deepen its strategic and economic engagement with New Delhi. A prospective trade agreement between the two nations could boost economic collaboration and fortify diplomatic ties. The United States remains India’s top trading partner. The recent bilateral trade figures has touched around $190 billion.

The meeting between Vice President Vance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to include discussions on regional security and global issues that are of mutual concern.