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US Vice President JD Vance begins India tour at Delhi’s Akshar Mandir, emphasizes cultural diplomacy ahead of trade talks.
- PM Modi welcomes Vance’s family, gifts personalized items to his children Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel during a warm bilateral meeting.
- India-US aim to boost trade to $500 billion by 2030, focus on resolving farm-sector disputes, easing tariffs on almonds, pistachios.
- Vance to visit Taj Mahal in Agra, city under heightened security, cultural programs planned with verified artists, schoolchildren.
- Visit follows Trump’s paused tariff plan targeting 60 nations, including India, signals effort to stabilize economic ties.
- Vance mourns Pope Francis’ passing, recalls meeting the late leader during COVID, shares tribute to his “beautiful” pandemic homily.
United States Vice President JD Vance began a four day trip to India on Monday with a cultural stop at Delhi’s Akshar Mandir, where he symbolically incorporated cultural gesture and high level diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Vance, his wife Usha, and their three children with personalized gifts and a couple photo opportunities to create the family warmth aspect of the trip. From there, the two leaders moved on to trade negotiations, in pursuit of a $500 billion bilateral trade goal by 2030. Trade took center stage in conversations, particularly with the agricultural exports. India indicated it would reduce tariffs on US nuts, while the US requested balanced concessions and commitments in respect to agricultural sector.
The visit comes weeks after President Donald Trump temporarily paused sweeping tariffs against India and 59 other nations, a move seen as cooling tensions ahead of Vance’s trip. In Agra, authorities tightened security for Vance’s Taj Mahal tour on Wednesday, deploying CISF, local police, and the Air Force. Cultural programs featuring schoolchildren and artists—pre-screened for security—will accompany the visit, with Agra’s streets adorned in anticipation.
Amid the diplomacy, Vance addressed the passing of Pope Francis, calling him “one of the last leaders” he met before the pontiff’s death. “My heart goes out to millions who loved him,” Vance stated, reflecting on the Pope’s “beautiful” COVID-era homily. The remark, though somber, contrasted with the upbeat tone of his India agenda, which seeks to balance economic pragmatism with cultural rapport.
US VP JD Vance blends trade talks with Taj Mahal charm in India visit. Modi gifts his kids, targets $500B trade by 2030, Agra gears up with security. Vance mourns Pope Francis, recalls COVID homily.