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Time of India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
JD Vance's India visit: Exploring Akshardham, Taj Mahal, Amer Fort, and more, full itinerary revealed
JD Vance, the vice president of the U.S. is currently in India. He is visiting the country for the first time with his wife Usha and three kids. The highlights of his four-day travel itinerary include a trip to Delhi's Akshardham, the Taj Mahal in Agra and Amer Fort in Jaipur. Vance landed in Delhi on April 21 and visited Akshardham Temple with his family. Dressed in beautiful traditional Indian attire, Vance's three kids, named Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel were in awe of the beauty of the temple. Soon after, he shared a message, "Thank you so much for your hospitality and kindness in welcoming me and my family to this beautiful place. It is a great credit to India that you built a beautiful temple with precision and care. Our kids in particular loved it. God bless". Another highlight of their Delhi visit also included a visit to the crafts emporium in Janpath, where they bought tea bags, honey, and pottery items. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like News For Jack Nicholson, 87, He Has Been Confirmed To Be... Reportingly Undo On April 22, the Vance-family reached Jaipur to explore the grand Amer Fort. The family was greeted by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari at the fort, where a grand cultural reception awaited them. As they entered the main courtyard, Jaleb Chowk, two decorated female elephants named Chanda and Mala, greeted them with raised trunks, adding a majestic touch to the whole ceremony. Soon after, the Vances were then treated to a colourful cultural performance, which included traditional folk dances such as Kacchi Ghodi, Ghoomar, and Kalbeliya, offering them a delightful glimpse into the rich and colorful culture of Rajasthan. While speaking in Jaipur, Vance shared that children are often bluntly honest, whether we want them to be or not. He went on to say, "There are only two world leaders with whom I've seen my children form a close bond. The first is President Trump—there's something about his energy. The second is Prime Minister Modi. I observed my children having that same connection with Prime Minister Modi." There's no doubt that since the beginning of his visit to India, Vance's kids have been the spotlight. Whether it's their charming demeanor or their traditional Indian attire, they have been the center of attention over the past two days. Vance expressed his heartfelt admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising his leadership and describing how both he and his family were deeply moved by Modi's welcome and his kindness. As per the itinerary, Vances will visit Agra on April 23. They plan to visit the iconic Taj Mahal, as well as Shilpgram, a market renowned for its Indian art and crafts. They will leave for the U.S. on April 24.
News18
22-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
Agra Gears Up To Welcome JD Vance & Family, Taj Mahal To Be Closed For Public On Wednesday
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.
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Business Standard
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Watch: JD Vance, wife Usha arrive in Delhi, received by Ashwini Vaishnaw
US Vice President JD Vance landed in Delhi on Monday for his first official visit to India, a four-day trip aimed at strengthening strategic and economic ties between the two countries. His visit comes as both sides rush to finalise a trade deal amid rising global tariff tensions. Vance was accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children — Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. While Ewan and Vivek were wearing traditional kurta pyjamas, Mirabel was wearing a lehenga. The Vance family is set to explore various cultural sites during their stay. Ashwini Vaishnaw. Meanwhile, security across the national capital has been heightened ahead of the official meetings and public engagements planned throughout the week. ALSO READ | JD Vance in Delhi: Traffic advisory issued for today; check routes to avoid JD Vance to meet PM Modi Trump's second-in-command will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening. Their discussions will primarily focus on finalising a bilateral trade agreement and expanding cooperation in strategic and economic areas, especially against the backdrop of intensifying trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Beyond diplomacy, the Vance family plans to explore Indian culture firsthand. The Vice President will visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple and a local handicrafts market in Delhi. They will be staying at the ITC Maurya Sheraton during their time in the capital. On Tuesday, April 22, the Vance family will travel to Jaipur, where they will visit Amer Fort and other cultural landmarks. Later that day, Vance will address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre, speaking to an audience of diplomats, policy experts, and government officials. His speech will highlight the future trajectory of India-US relations under the Trump administration. On Wednesday, April 23, the Vance family will head to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal and Shilpgram, an open-air emporium showcasing traditional Indian arts and crafts, before returning to Jaipur later that evening. (With agency inputs)
