US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—commenced his first official visit to India with a spiritual and cultural stop at the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in New Delhi. The visit served as an expression of the deepening ties between the United States and India and marked the beginning of Vance’s four-day tour across the country, scheduled from April 21 to April 24.
The Vance family embraced Indian traditions during their visit, with Ewan and Vivek donning traditional kurta-pyjamas, and Mirabel appearing in a vibrant anarkali dress. Together, the family explored the intricate design and spiritual grandeur of Akshardham, experiencing firsthand India’s cultural richness and heritage. As noted in an official press statement, the family admired the temple’s message of harmony, the importance of family values, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Indian traditions.
“The visit symbolises the shared values of faith, peace, and unity that continue to strengthen ties between India and the United States,” the official release stated, underscoring the broader diplomatic significance of Vance’s presence at such a spiritually important site.
In the temple’s guest book, Vice President Vance expressed his gratitude and admiration for the monument’s spiritual ambiance and architectural brilliance. He wrote, “Thank you all 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.”
According to Akshardham temple spokesperson Radhika Shukla, Vance’s family spent nearly an hour exploring the temple complex, deeply engaged with its spiritual essence and artistic magnificence. “The whole family was here for around 55 minutes. Their experience of one hour inside was unforgettable,” Shukla said, as reported by news agency ANI.
She elaborated on the sequence of the visit, highlighting that the family began their temple tour at the Charanarvind, the sacred footprints of Lord Swaminarayan. They then proceeded to the Bharat Upvan, a landscaped garden that left a strong impression on them. Following that, they moved to the Gajendra Peeth, an intricately carved platform adorned with depictions of elephants. “They were very overwhelmed by the carvings,” Shukla noted. The family then made their way to the upper levels of the temple, where they had darshan—spiritual viewing—of the idol of Lord Swaminarayan in the sanctum sanctorum and offered prayers for world peace.
Earlier in the day, Shukla had shared insights into the anticipation surrounding the visit. “The Vice President and the Second Lady are arriving for the Darshan at Akshardham Temple. She has Indian roots… They are coming here directly from the airport… They will first have the darshan of the replica of Lord Swaminarayan and then they will see the architecture of the temple,” she explained.
The Vance family had flown into New Delhi’s Palam Airport and were received with traditional Indian hospitality. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed them upon arrival, underscoring the diplomatic weight of the trip. The Vice President’s broader itinerary includes stops in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra—an agenda crafted to deepen and advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
As part of the official reception, Vance was also honored with a ceremonial Guard of Honour, reflecting the importance India places on the relationship with the United States and the respect extended to visiting dignitaries.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, posted a welcome message on the platform X (formerly Twitter), stating: “A very warm welcome to @VP JD Vance, @SLOTUS Mrs. Usha Vance, & the US delegation to India! Received by Minister of Railways and I&B @AshwiniVaishnaw at the airport.” The post also highlighted the purpose of the visit, adding, “The Official Visit (21-24 Apr) spanning Delhi, Jaipur & Agra is expected to further deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”
In anticipation of the visit, hoardings welcoming Vice President Vance were placed near Palam Airport, visually reflecting the positive diplomatic sentiment around the high-profile arrival. The tour, starting with a spiritual and cultural experience at Akshardham, signals an emphasis on people-to-people connections and shared values between the two democracies.
The Akshardham temple, known for its intricate carvings, cultural exhibits, and serene atmosphere, served as a powerful venue to highlight these shared values. The choice to begin the Vice President’s tour at such a symbolic location underlined a mutual commitment to unity, respect for tradition, and the peaceful coexistence of diverse beliefs.
While Vance’s political engagements will take him to other key Indian cities in the following days, the personal and heartfelt start to the visit at Akshardham allowed for a moment of reflection and connection that transcended official protocols. For Vance and his family, the stop was more than ceremonial—it was a meaningful immersion into the cultural and spiritual essence of India.
As India and the United States continue to build on their global partnership, visits like these emphasize not only political alignment but also a deepening understanding of each other’s values and traditions. Vance’s warm words in the guest book, his children’s traditional attire, and the family’s engagement with the temple’s spiritual offerings all contributed to a powerful image of goodwill and mutual respect.
With three more days of engagements ahead in cities rich with history and diplomatic importance, Vance’s visit aims to solidify key areas of cooperation while also providing moments of personal and cultural bonding. Whether through strategic dialogues or shared spiritual experiences, the India-US partnership continues to evolve as one built on common ideals, cultural respect, and a shared vision for global peace and progress.