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JD Vance India Visit Live Updates: US Vice-President Vance leaves for Washington from Jaipur
He accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their three children Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel embarked on a cultural tour of Jaipur, with the historic Amer Fort as the centrepiece of their visit. The Vance family arrived in the Pink City from Delhi on Monday night and are staying at the opulent Rambagh Palace.
Amer Fort, a Unesco World Heritage site perched atop a hill about 11 km from central Jaipur, was closed to tourists for 24 hours to accommodate the high-level visit. Built in the 16th century with pale yellow and pink sandstone, the fort is one of India’s most iconic architectural marvels. The Vance family was given a traditional Rajasthani welcome, complete with elephants trained at Hathi Gaon especially for the occasion.
The visit comes amid broader diplomatic engagement between India and the U.S., as Vice President Vance is also on a mission to deepen bilateral ties. Earlier in New Delhi, Vance held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on defence cooperation, energy, and advanced technologies. The two leaders also announced significant progress on a bilateral trade agreement.
Following the fort tour, Vance is scheduled to address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre, where he is expected to speak on India-U.S. relations under the Trump administration. The audience will include diplomats, academics, and Indian government officials.
The Vance family’s itinerary also includes a visit to Agra on April 23, where they will explore the Taj Mahal and the handicrafts village of Shilpgram, before returning to Jaipur later that day. They are set to depart for the United States early on April 24.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma had personally reviewed arrangements to ensure the Vance family’s visit was both secure and memorable.
US Vice-President Vance leaves for Washington from Jaipur
US Vice President JD Vance, along with his wife Usha Vance and their three children, departed for Washington on Thursday aboard a special aircraft from Jaipur International Airport, officials confirmed.
The Vance family had arrived in Jaipur from Delhi on Monday night. On Tuesday, they toured the historic Amber Fort, following which Vice President Vance delivered a speech on India-US relations at a local event.
J&K Police may have erred by skipping vulnerability mapping ahead of US Vice-President J.D. Vance’s visit, deviating from standard protocol followed since the 2000 Chittisinghpora massacre during President Clinton’s visit, raising security concerns at tourist hotspots.
'Testament to true love', says US VP Vance after visiting Taj Mahal with family
US Vice-President J D Vance on Wednesday visited the Taj Mahal along his Usha Vance wife and their three children, officials said. "The Taj Mahal is amazing. A testament to true love, human ingenuity and a tribute to the great country of India," Vance wrote in the visitor's diary after his visit.
The Vance family landed at the Agra airport from Jaipur on Wednesday, where he was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, officials said.
"A warm welcome to hon'ble US Vice President Mr JD Vance and his family to Uttar Pradesh, the sacred heartland of India, renowned for its timeless devotion, vibrant culture and spiritual legacy," Adityanath posted on X.
Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, visits the Taj Mahal in Agra along with Usha Vance and their children
'Warm welcome': Yogi Adityanath welcome JD Vance and family in Agra
— myogiadityanath (@myogiadityanath) Convoy of Vice President of the United States, JD Vance heads towards the Taj Mahal in Agra
Vice President of the United States JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their children arrive in Agra, received by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath
Agra all decked up to welcome US Vice President JD Vance and his family
'Trump administration seeks trade partners on basis of fairness,' says Vance
"Our administration seeks trade partners on the basis of fairness and shared national interests...We want to partner with people in countries who recognize the historic nature of the moment," he said.
'Want to do commerce and strike good deals with our friends,' says Vance amid Trump's tariff war
"Like you, we want to appreciate our history, our culture, our religion, we want to do commerce and strike good deals with our friends. We want to find our vision of the future upon the proud recognition of our heritage rather than self-loathing and fear.I work for a President who has long understood all of this, whether through fighting those who seek to erase American history or in support of fair and trade deals abroad. He has been consistent on these issues for decades, and as a result, under the Trump administration, America now has a government that has learned from past mistakes," he said.
Vance's visit takes India-US dialogue a step further, says Scindia
US Vice President JD Vance’s ongoing visit to India marks a significant step forward in deepening bilateral dialogue, Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Tuesday. As New Delhi and Washington work toward finalizing a trade agreement, the visit comes at a critical juncture—with India seeking relief from President Donald Trump’s proposed additional tariffs.
Vance’s four-day tour, which began Monday, coincides with negotiations aimed at preventing the imposition of reciprocal duties. Currently, a 26% tariff on Indian exports to the US is under a 90-day suspension, due to expire on July 8. Meanwhile, India, like other nations, remains subject to a 10% tariff under the existing US trade policy. The visit is seen as a diplomatic push to secure an early deal and ease trade tensions.
"Vice President of the United States coming to India is a very welcome and a very important step. I think it takes that level of dialogue and communication one step further," said Scindia.
Vance urges India to drop non-tariff barriers; procure more American energy, military hardware
Vance urged India to ease non-tariff barriers, expand market access, and boost purchases of American energy and defense equipment, as he laid out a vision for stronger bilateral relations. Speaking at a public event, Vance highlighted the importance of deepening US-India ties to ensure a prosperous and peaceful 21st century.
"I really believe that the future of the 21st century is going to be determined by the strength of the United States-India partnership," he said.
He also heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "special person," and stressed the importance of both nations working together to confront global challenges through shared values and strategic cooperation.
JD Vance and Usha condemn J&K terror attack that killed 28
"Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack," he said.
Earlier President Trump had remained upbeat, stating, “I think we're going to make a very good deal,” though China has yet to confirm talks and continues to denounce US “unilateralism and protectionism.”
On the ground, businesses like Duncan Toys in Indiana are already feeling the pinch. CEO Josh Staph says imports of toys like flying discs and model gliders from China have stalled: “Things have ground to a halt.”
Some manufacturers welcome the shake-up. Drew Greenblatt of Marlin Steel supports the tariffs, saying they could help level the playing field and boost American jobs. But the broader industry is anxious. US manufacturing employment has fallen from 20 million in 1979 to under 13 million in 2025, with small businesses—99% of the sector—bearing the brunt.
Still, some see long-term potential. Bayard Winthrop of American Giant hopes tariffs will help revive industries like textiles, once dominant but now reduced to less than 4% of domestic production.
