Washington, DC: US Second Lady Usha Vance has described her family’s first trip to India as a deeply personal and unforgettable experience, filled with warmth, wonder, and a memorable interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington on Monday, June 1, Vance shared some candid and humorous insights into the four-day visit in April, calling it “the trip of a lifetime” for her children.
Her remarks shared a glimpse into an intimate side of diplomatic travel. Have a look at her statement here:
From Mangoes to Modiji
Vance revealed that her children had developed an endearing connection with PM Modi, whom they first met in Paris. "They were sort of sleep-deprived... and saw an Indian man with a white beard and white hair, and they just put him in the grandfather category immediately," she said. PM Modi also surprised their five-year-old with a birthday gift.
JD Vance and Usha Vance with their children and PM Modi during their April visit to India.
When the family visited his residence in New Delhi, the children embraced him with delight. “He was just incredibly kind and generous to them,” Vance recalled. She added that her son was so taken by a cart of mangoes at the Prime Minister’s home that he began “making plans to live there.”
The visit also provided a valuable moment for JD Vance and the Prime Minister to strengthen personal ties. “I think it was a very productive conversation for JD and the Prime Minister,” she said.
Elephants, Temples, and a Puppet Show from Andhra
The family’s itinerary was packed with cultural treasures. They visited the Taj Mahal at sunrise, marvelled at Jaipur’s Amber Fort, and explored Delhi’s Akshardham Temple and the Cottage Industries Emporium.
A puppet show featuring scenes from the Ramayana became a family favourite. “It was a huge hit. My kids have been trying to recreate it at home with construction paper," Vance said.
Each child had a highlight, Ewan loved the temple sculptures, Vivek was thrilled to meet elephants and camels, and their daughter adored her auto-rickshaw ride, all under the watchful eyes of Secret Service.
The experience, Vance said, “could not have been any more special.”
