JD Vance Taj Mahal tour today; US VP calls India ‘a friend' while defending Donald Trump's trade policy
US Vice President JD Vance visited Agra on Wednesday, where he is dropped to see the Taj Mahal with his family. This will be the final stop in his ongoing four-day tour of India.
Vance is travelling with his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their three children — Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. The family is expected to spend around three hours at the Taj Mahal before heading back to Jaipur, where they are currently staying.
From Jaipur to Agra
The Vance family is staying at Jaipur's Rambagh Palace, known for its grandeur. Reports say they are booked in the hotel's most expensive suite — the Grand Presidential Suite — which can cost up to ₹16 lakh per night. A medical team has also been assigned for their stay.
On Tuesday, the family visited Amber Fort in Jaipur and is expected to explore the City Palace after returning from Agra. Ahead of their Taj Mahal visit, security arrangements in Agra have been tightened.
As per city DCP, preparations have involved several agencies including the CISF, Archaeological Department, Indian Air Force, and the police. 'The security liaisoning meeting of different stakeholders has been done,' they confirmed. The entire route and all personnel involved in the programme — including performers and school children — are being verified and cleared.
Talks on trade and Trump's vision
During his stop in Jaipur, JD Vance spoke about strengthening India-US ties, particularly in trade and technology. He addressed criticism of President Donald Trump's trade policies and said, 'Critics have attacked my president, President Trump, for starting a trade war in an effort to bring back the jobs of the past, but nothing could be further from the truth.'
He stressed that Trump's goal is to rebalance global trade with key partners like India, saying, 'He seeks to rebalance global trade so that America, with friends like India, can build a future worth having for all of our people together.'
Vance also mentioned that terms for a future trade agreement have been finalised and that the two countries are now working toward doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by the end of the decade.
Departure on April 24
JD Vance's India visit is scheduled to end on April 24. He and his family will depart early in the morning, shortly after their visit to the Taj Mahal wraps up the official tour.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
29 minutes ago
- Hans India
India's hospitality sector expected to clock 8 pc growth in FY26: Report
India's hospitality sector is expected to post a revenue growth of 6-8 per cent in FY2026 on the high base recorded after three years of double-digit revenue expansion seen by the industry over FY2023 to FY2025, according to an ICRA report released on Monday. ICRA estimates pan-India premium hotel occupancy to hold at 72-74 per cent in FY2026, slightly higher than the 70-72 per cent levels witnessed in FY2024 and FY2025. The average room rates (ARRs) for premium hotels are projected to rise to Rs 8,200-8,500 in FY2026, after a healthy Rs 8,000-8,200 in FY2025 amid lagging supply additions and several hotels undergoing renovation, refurbishment, and upgradation. Jitin Makkar, Senior Vice President ICRA Limited, said: "After three years of strong demand, driven by favourable domestic leisure travel, demand from meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), including weddings, and business travel, the growth in the Indian hospitality sector is forecast to normalise at 6-8 per cent year-on-year in FY2026." "While the terror attacks in April 2025 and consequent heightened uncertainties in North and West India in May 2025 had led to a surge in cancellation of travel/MICE, the impact has been largely temporary and localised. In recent weeks, there has been a healthy recovery in sentiments following the abatement of the conflict," he added. Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) to India are expected to remain muted in the next few months in the aftermath of the terror attacks, but are estimated to witness a gradual recovery thereafter. However, domestic tourism has been the prime demand driver so far and is likely to remain so in the near term, the report states. Factors like improvement in infrastructure and air connectivity, favourable demographics, and anticipated growth in large-scale MICE events, with the opening of multiple new convention centres in the last few years, among others, shall support the growth over the medium term, according to the report. ICRA's sample set, comprising 13 large hotel companies, is likely to report range-bound operating margins of 34-36 per cent for FY2026, despite a lower revenue growth. The margins will remain supported by factors like cost rationalisation measures and asset-light expansions in recent periods. However, within the sample, it is likely to be a mixed bag, depending on renovations and an increase in employee expenses amidst growing demand. De-leveraging of balance sheets has led to lower interest costs and is likely to support net margins, as well as improvement in credit metrics, the report observes. 'The demand uptick over recent years led to an increase in supply announcements and resumption of deferred projects in the past 24-30 months. However, supply growth is expected to lag demand over the next 12-18 months." "ICRA's premium room inventory database (12 key cities) across the country indicates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5-5 per cent in room inventory addition during FY2023-FY2026. A large part of the new supply is through management contracts and operating leases. Land availability issues currently constrain supply addition in the premium micro-markets in metros and larger cities. The addition to premium hotel supply in these areas is largely on account of rebranding or property degradation, and the greenfield projects are largely being initiated in the suburbs," Makkar added.
India.com
33 minutes ago
- India.com
In Brussels, EAM Jaishankar Welcomes Belgium's Support In Combatting Terrorism
BRUSSELS: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday held discussions with Maxime Prevot, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, welcoming the country's support and solidarity in combatting terrorism. During the bilateral talks, the EAM lauded the warm and friendly relations between the two countries, also reflected in very robust economic partnership. "Pleased to meet DPM and FM Maxime Prevot at the start of my visit to Belgium. Welcomed Belgium's support and solidarity in combatting terrorism. Appreciated the strong momentum of our bilateral engagement and the India-EU partnership. Also held wide-ranging discussions on deepening our cooperation including in trade, investment, technology, defence and security, pharmaceuticals, clean energy and mobility," Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting. Pleased to meet DPM & FM @prevotmaxime at the start of my visit to Belgium. Welcomed Belgium's support and solidarity in combatting terrorism. Appreciated the strong momentum of our bilateral engagement and the India - EU partnership. Also held wide - ranging discussions on… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 9, 2025 The External Affairs Minister is on an official visit to France, EU and Belgium from June 8 to 14 to further deepen India's friendly relations and give renewed momentum to ongoing cooperation in diverse areas. India-Belgium collaboration currently spans various domains like trade and investment, green energy, technology, pharmaceutical, diamond sector and strong people-to-people ties. During his visit to Belgium, the EAM would also meet the senior leadership of Belgium besides interacting with the members of the Indian community. "India-European Union strategic partnership has strengthened over the years across diverse sectors and got a big boost with the first-ever visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February this year. During the visit, EAM will be holding a Strategic Dialogue with the EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas, and will engage with the senior leadership from the European Commission and the European Parliament, besides interacting with think tank and media," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on EAM's visit. During this visit, EAM Jaishankar would also travel to Paris and Marseille where he would be holding bilateral discussions with his counterpart Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Jean Noel Barrot. He is scheduled to participate in the inaugural edition of the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue which is being held in the city of Marseille. "India and France have completed 25 years of strategic partnership. Our relations with France are rooted in deep trust and commitment, and our two countries cooperate closely across all domains of strategic and contemporary relevance besides sharing similar outlook on many regional and global issues. He will also engage with the senior leadership of France, and interact with think tanks and media," the MEA detailed.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Trump likely to speak with Netanyahu today, White House official says
President Donald Trump is set to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, according to a White House official. The call is expected to cover key issues, including Trump's efforts to increase aid to Gaza and persuade Iran to abandon its nuclear program. A source close to Netanyahu confirmed that Iran will likely be a major topic of discussion during the call. In recent interactions, Trump has shown interest in resolving the Iran nuclear issue. During a conversation in the Oval Office, Trump mentioned being 'very close to a solution' regarding Iran, indicating potential progress in diplomatic efforts. Given the current tensions in the region, this call between Trump and Netanyahu could be significant in shaping US-Israel relations and addressing pressing issues like Iran's nuclear program and Gaza aid.
