US Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance arrive in India
New Delhi, Apr 21 (UNI) US Vice President JD Vance arrived in India this morning along with his wife, US Second Lady Usha Vance and their three children.
The US Vice President and the Second Lady were received by Union Minister for Railways and Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw at Palam airport.
The US Vice President was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Palam Airport.
While Usha Vance was attired in a long red dress, with a white coat thrown over her shoulders, their three children - Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel -- were wearing Indian attire – the two boys in kurta-pyjama and the daughter in a lehnga-choli.
At the airport, they were greeted with Indian Odissi classical dance performers as part of the welcome.
The US Vice President, who is accompanied by senior members of the US administration, is set to meet with PM Narendra Modi this evening.
The MEA spokesperson said on X:
"A very warm welcome to @VPJD Vance, @SLOTUS Mrs. Usha Vance, & the U.S. delegation to India!
"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. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership."
The Vice President and his delegation are also to visit Jaipur and Agra before departing for Washington, on April 24.
'The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to review the progress in bilateral relations and the implementation of the outcomes of the India-US Joint Statement issued on February 13, during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the US. The two sides will also exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest," an India readout said earlier.
PM Modi had met with the US VP Vance and Usha Vance and their three children, during his visit to Washington in February, and had presented gifts to the children.
The US VP 'will discuss shared economic and geopolitical priorities with leaders in each country', the VP's office said in a statement.
The visit comes amid trade discussions between the US and India, with the two sides trying to stitch up a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement.
The Vice President and Second Family will also participate in engagements at cultural sites, his office said.
The US VP and his wife, who is of Indian origin, had visited Italy before coming to India.
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