Agra Gears Up To Welcome JD Vance & Family, Taj Mahal To Be Closed For Public On Wednesday

News18

22-04-2025

Last Updated:
A team of US security officials had earlier surveyed the Taj Mahal premises to assess logistical, operational, and security considerations
The iconic Taj Mahal will remain closed to the general public on Wednesday as Agra gears up for a high-security visit by United States Vice-President JD Vance and his family. The visit, part of the V-P's four-day tour of India, has prompted unprecedented security measures and logistical preparations across the city.
According to RK Patel, superintending archaeologist of ASI, Agra Circle, the closure has been ordered following requests from various security agencies involved in managing the visit. 'No ticket counters will be opened, and entry will be strictly restricted until the guests depart," he confirmed. The decision has been publicised on ASI's official website to alert tourists and minimise inconvenience.
Vance is on an official visit to India from April 21 to 24, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their children. After a brief stay in New Delhi, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening at the official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, Vance travelled to Jaipur on Tuesday before he arrives in Agra on Wednesday.
Sources confirmed that a team of US security officials had earlier surveyed the Taj Mahal premises to assess logistical, operational, and security considerations. From crowd control to VIP movement protocols, every aspect of the visit is being coordinated in detail.
Agra Division Commissioner Shailendra Kumar Singh chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the visit. District Magistrate Aravind Mallappa Bangari and senior police officials also participated in the meeting. Key issues discussed included beautification of routes leading to the monument, crowd management, road maintenance, and welcome protocols.
Additional Police Commissioner Sanjeev Tyagi said: 'The orders have been enforced for multiple reasons, including the security sensitivities surrounding the visit of Vice-President Vance. Any violation of these restrictions will be dealt with strictly."
Vance's visit is not only diplomatic in nature but also symbolic as the Taj Mahal has historically been a favoured destination for visiting dignitaries. In 2020, then-US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited the monument, describing it as 'a timeless testament to the rich and diverse beauty of Indian culture".
Vance and his family are expected to spend a considerable amount of time exploring the monument, appreciating the intricate Mughal architecture and the mausoleum's cultural significance. Additionally, the Vance family may also visit Shilpgram, an open-air handicraft emporium located near the Taj Mahal that showcases Indian artisanship.
While the official schedule remains tightly guarded due to security reasons, preparations in Agra reflect the highest levels of protocol. From floral decorations to sanitation drives and deployment of special forces, the city is being transformed to reflect its historic hospitality and strategic importance.
The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India's rich architectural heritage, has been the backdrop for many moments of diplomacy and cultural outreach. JD Vance's visit is expected to add another chapter to this tradition of heritage diplomacy.