First stop Akshardham Temple for Vances, U.S. VP says his ‘kids, in particular, loved it’
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance Visits Delhi’s Akshardham Temple with Family, Begins India Trip on a Spiritual Note
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Vance and their three children, kicked off his highly anticipated visit to India with a peaceful and culturally immersive visit to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Delhi on Tuesday. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, the sprawling temple complex welcomed the Vance family with traditional Indian hospitality and spiritual serenity.
The visit marked not just the beginning of an official diplomatic tour, but also a deeply personal homecoming of sorts for Usha Vance, whose roots trace back to India. The family’s choice to begin their journey at one of India’s most iconic spiritual landmarks signaled a desire to connect with the country’s rich heritage and culture.
A Grand Welcome at Akshardham
The Vance family arrived at the Akshardham complex mid-morning under tight security but were greeted with warmth and tradition. Temple officials and volunteers welcomed the dignitaries with garlands and aarti (a ceremonial lamp offering), in line with Indian custom.
Vice President Vance, known for his interest in philosophy and faith-based leadership, appeared visibly moved by the experience. Walking barefoot alongside his wife and children, he took time to appreciate the intricate carvings, majestic domes, and the tranquil Yagnapurush Kund — the world’s largest stepwell.
Guides explained the temple’s spiritual significance, its construction by volunteers, and its dedication to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a revered spiritual leader who emphasized values like service, devotion, and community harmony.
Gifts that Reflect Culture and Connection
At the conclusion of their visit, temple representatives presented the family with meaningful gifts that symbolized Indian heritage and spirituality. Among them was a carved wooden elephant, representing strength and wisdom in Indian tradition. The children received illustrated books on Indian culture and festivals, thoughtfully curated to help them connect with their mother’s heritage.
The temple also gifted the family a miniature model of the Akshardham Temple, a gesture that appeared to deeply touch Vice President Vance and his wife. The couple expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and the efforts made to help their children experience India’s depth beyond politics.
Usha Vance, dressed in a traditional Indian kurta, was seen sharing stories with her children about Indian traditions, as they looked at the temple model and the books with interest.
A Personal Start to a Diplomatic Visit
Though the visit was unofficial, the symbolism wasn’t lost on observers. Beginning the India tour with a spiritual and family-centered stop sent a strong signal that this visit goes beyond politics. It spoke to a deeper connection — of roots, values, and cultural respect.
Usha Vance, born to Indian immigrant parents in California, has always remained close to her cultural heritage. Though she grew up in the U.S., she learned Indian languages, celebrated traditional festivals, and even volunteered at community centers that served Indian-American families.
Sources say the Vice President and his wife personally requested to start their India tour at Akshardham, seeing it not only as a place of worship but as a space to introduce their children to the values of service, spirituality, and simplicity.
Public Reaction and Cultural Significance
News of the Vance family’s visit to Akshardham spread quickly, with many Indians appreciating the choice of a cultural and spiritual site rather than a tourist hotspot or formal government building.
Social media lit up with images and video clips of the family walking quietly through the temple gardens and observing the exhibitions on India’s ancient contributions to science, art, and spirituality.
“Respect to VP J.D. Vance and Usha ji for starting their India visit at Akshardham. What a graceful way to honour Indian values,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Strengthening India–U.S. Ties with Personal Touch
Vice President Vance’s visit to India is seen as a continuation of growing cooperation between India and the United States, especially in sectors like defense, technology, climate change, and education. While the Akshardham visit was not part of the official diplomatic itinerary, it added a layer of soft diplomacy that resonates with the Indian public.
Analysts believe that moments like these — where global leaders connect with local culture — go a long way in building people-to-people ties. “It humanizes the relationship. It shows India that the U.S. doesn’t just view it as a strategic partner but also respects its culture and values,” said Ramesh Menon, a Delhi-based foreign affairs expert.
What’s Next on the Agenda
After the temple visit, the Vance family proceeded to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, where they met with officials and prepared for the Vice President’s formal meetings with Indian leadership scheduled for the following day. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and key business leaders during his two-day stay.
The visit will focus on enhancing cooperation in critical areas, including semiconductor supply chains, regional security in the Indo-Pacific, renewable energy initiatives, and educational partnerships.
But for a brief, quiet morning at Akshardham, the focus remained on something more timeless — family, faith, and connection.
Conclusion: A Quiet but Powerful Beginning
As the sun rose over Delhi and lit up the ornate domes of Akshardham, the Vance family took a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect. Their presence, though not accompanied by the usual fanfare of political visits, left a quiet but lasting impression.
In choosing to begin their India trip not with formalities but with spiritual grounding, the Vice President and his family showed the power of cultural humility — a quality that may define the tone of this important diplomatic journey.
