US Vice President JD Vance has started his first official visit to India, leaving from Rome Ciampino Airport. His trip is scheduled from April 21 to April 24.
Vance Flies to India with Family
Vance was in Italy with his family before heading to India. On Sunday night, he boarded Air Force Two (AF2) for New Delhi, as reported by the White House Press Pool. The aircraft is expected to land at Air Force Station, Palam in New Delhi around 9:30 am IST on Monday.
Soon after, officials will formally receive him at 10:00 am. Later the same day, at 6:30 pm, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will welcome Vance for a meeting at his official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.
A Warm Family Moment Before Departure
Before boarding the plane, Vance shared a touching moment with his family. He was seen gently lifting his sleeping daughter, Mirabel, from their car. At the same time, his sons Ewan and Vivek waved toy swords as they walked toward the aircraft with Second Lady Usha Vance.
Full Itinerary in India
After his meeting with PM Modi, Vance will visit Jaipur on Tuesday. The next day, on April 23, he will travel to Agra. He is scheduled to depart from India at 6:40 am on April 24, concluding his official visit.
India Welcomes the US Vice President
Ahead of his arrival, welcome hoardings for Vance have been placed in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi’s diplomatic hub, and near Palam Airport.
India Looks Forward to Strengthening Ties
Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spoke about the importance of this visit. He confirmed that India and the US enjoy a Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership.
“This is an Official Visit. He will be meeting the Prime Minister. And with the United States of America, we have a Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership. So, when you have that level of partnership with any country, obviously you will discuss all relevant issues,” said Jaiswal during a media briefing last Thursday.
He also expressed hope that the visit would improve ties between the two countries. “And with America, with the United States, of course, our relationship is such that we are doing anything that is part of human endeavour… forms part of our bilateral engagement. So, all these issues, bilateral issues will be discussed. And we are very positive that the visit will give a further boost to our bilateral ties,” he added.