- U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance emphasized the robust and expanding U.S.-Indian relationship
- She spoke positively about her recent visit to India with Vice President J.D. Vance
- The visit was seen as a meaningful step in strengthening bilateral and cultural ties
U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance's recent trip to India was a "mind-blowing" experience, and she referred to it as a period of great opportunity in the U.S.-India relationship. In a rare public interview at a US-India Strategic Partnership Forum event, she spoke warmly about the relationship her three children developed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom they accepted as a grandfather figure.
A lot of opportunities are available at the moment. “I think my husband would say the same," she said, expressing optimism about the future of bilateral ties. Although the relationship between the two nations has seen ups and downs, she recognized that strong people-to-people ties and the growing Indian-American community are playing a major role in the development of closer ties.
The first vice president to visit India since Joe Biden in 2013 was Usha, who went there with her family in April. "It was the trip of a lifetime," she said. Noting that her children had grown up hearing stories about India but had never visited. From the iconic Taj Mahal at sunrise to vibrant peacocks and incredible cuisine, the journey left a lasting impression.
Their direct encounter with PM Modi made the visit particularly significant. When their kids first met him at an AI summit in Paris, they instantly viewed him as a grandfatherly figure. Usha recalled how Modi won their hearts by giving their five-year-old a birthday present and said, "They just loved him." She commended the Prime Minister for his generosity and kindness, and the children gave him a warm embrace when she visited his home later.
Usha said she hopes to return, particularly to see areas related to her own family's heritage. She underlined how the trip's cultural experiences and personal connections highlighted how crucial it is to fortify U.S.-Indian ties going forward.
