Jaipur– U.S. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to deliver a key address on India-U.S. bilateral relations today at the Rajasthan International Centre, marking a pivotal moment in his four-day visit to India.
Vance, accompanied by his family and a U.S. delegation, arrived in Jaipur late Monday night. During his stay in the Pink City, he will also tour the historic Amber Fort, which has been temporarily closed to the public due to heightened security.
The visit carries symbolic weight, evoking memories of former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s landmark trip to Jaipur 25 years ago. The city has been lavishly decorated to welcome the high-profile guest, with vibrant displays across several key areas.
A stretch from New Gate to Tripolia Gate, extending to Badi Chaupar, has been draped in white cloth and adorned with Indian and American flags. Similar festive decorations line Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, creating a grand visual welcome for the visiting dignitaries.
Vice President Vance, along with his Indian-American wife Usha Vance and their three children — Ivan, Vivek, and Mirabel — proceeded directly to the iconic Rambagh Palace, where they will stay during their time in Jaipur.
Before arriving in Rajasthan, Vance met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi. The meeting concluded with a private dinner hosted by Modi for Vance and his family, underscoring the warmth of the India-U.S. relationship.
Sharing the moment on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi posted, “Pleased to welcome U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and his family to New Delhi. We reviewed the fast-paced progress following my visit to the U.S. and meeting with President Trump.”
“We remain committed to mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, technology, defense, energy, and people-to-people exchanges. The India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership will be a defining relationship of the 21st century for the betterment of our people and the world.”
Vice President Vance echoed the sentiment in a post on X: “It was an honor to meet Prime Minister Modi this evening. He’s a great leader and was incredibly kind to my family. I look forward to working under President Trump’s leadership to strengthen our friendship and cooperation with the people of India!”
During their discussions, the two leaders welcomed significant progress in the ongoing negotiations for a U.S.-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). They jointly announced the finalization of the Terms of Reference for the negotiations, establishing a clear roadmap for future discussions aimed at deepening economic ties.
The proposed BTA is designed as a modern trade framework that will boost job creation and promote economic prosperity in both countries. It aims to enhance bilateral trade and supply chain integration in a balanced and mutually beneficial way.
Framed by the visions of “Amrit Kaal” for India and a “Golden Age” for America, both nations view the agreement as a catalyst for growth, benefitting workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs on both sides.
Vice President Vance’s visit follows closely on the heels of the earlier meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi in Washington this year, where the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. That meeting also saw the launch of the India-U.S. COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century, an initiative grounded in mutual trust, shared values, and active citizen participation.
Vance’s trip offers both countries an opportunity to assess progress on bilateral commitments and review the implementation of outcomes from the Joint Statement issued on February 13. In addition to trade and economic discussions, the two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Security has been intensified in Jaipur for the Vice President’s visit, with local authorities deploying around-the-clock police presence and a carefully monitored convoy plan to ensure safety throughout his stay.
Vice President Vance’s visit is seen as a crucial step in advancing the evolving partnership between the two democracies, paving the way for deeper cooperation in the years ahead. (Source: IANS)
