JD Vance India Visit highlights: US VP condemns ‘devastating’ Pahalgam terror attack

Andhra Pradesh chief minister took to X on Tuesday, amid JD and Usha Vance's visit to India to praise the Indian-origin Second Lady.

"Usha Vance Garu is a daughter of Andhra Pradesh. Her accomplishments fill every Telugu heart with pride. She showcases the brilliance of the Telugu community, especially our daughters," said Chandrababu Naidu.

“Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” JD Vance replied to PM Modi's post on X.

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday called on India to drop non-tariff barriers, give greater access to its markets and buy more American energy products.

In his speech in Jaipur, Vance also urged India to provide greater market access to American products and buy more defence platforms and energy from his country.

"We also want to help India explore its own considerable natural resources, including its offshore natural gas reserves and critical mineral supplies," he said.

"We have the capacity and we have the desire to help. Moreover, we think energy co-production will help beat unfair competitors in other foreign markets."

Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday described him as a "special person" and that the Indian leader's approval ratings "make me jealous".

In an address at an event here, Vance, while talking about India-US energy ties, also said that Modi is a "tough negotiator" who "drives a hard bargain" to fight for India's industry.

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday distanced the current Donald Trump administration from what he described as Washington’s earlier “preaching” attitude toward India, adding that both nations have a lot to offer each other. Read more

USTR Jamieson Greer said that there is a "serious" lack of reciprocity in the trade relationship with India. The proposed trade pact with India will help open new markets for American goods and create new opportunities for workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs in both countries, he added.

"These ongoing talks will help achieve balance and reciprocity by opening new markets for American goods and addressing unfair practices that harm American workers. India's constructive engagement so far has been welcomed and I look forward to creating new opportunities for workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs in both countries," he said.

“If India and the United States work together successfully, we're going to see a 21st century that is prosperous and peaceful. But I also believe that if we fail to work together successfully, the 21st century could be a very dark time for all of humanity,” Vance said in Jaipur.

Rajasthan Deputy CM Diya Kumari said, “It is a great pleasure, a great honour that the US Vice President is here along with his family. They are enjoying their time here. It is wonderful to have them in Rajasthan. He spoke brilliantly today about the partnership between India and the US. The way PM Modi has taken the nation forward is remarkable.”

“The most profound responsibility is to give a better society for next generation, this is the world that America seeks to create with you, we want to build a bright new world, one that's constantly innovating, helping people to form families, making it easier to build, invest, and trade together in pursuit of common goals,” US Vice President JD Vance said in Jaipur.

President Donald Trump wants both the United States and India to grow and the two countries can work together across sectors including trade, defence and energy for a win-win partnership, US Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday.

“There's a vitality to India, a sense of infinite possibility of new homes to be built, new skylines to be raised, and lives to be enriched, and there's a pride in being Indian, a feeling of excitement about the days that lie ahead now,” Vance also said.

United States Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “tough negotiator” during his high-profile visit to India, saying it is precisely this firmness that earns him respect in Washington. His comments came amid fast-tracked efforts to finalise a bilateral trade deal that could reshape economic ties between the two nations. Read more

Speaking at an event in Jaipur, US Vice President JD Vance said Americans want more access to India's markets. He also said that America's energy can help New Delhi realise its nuclear energy targets.

"Now we're not here to preach that you do things any one particular way. Too often in the past, Washington approached Prime Minister Modi with an attitude of preaching. Prior administrations saw India as a source of low cost labour. On the one hand, even as they criticised the Prime Minister's government, arguably the most popular in the democratic world, and as I told Prime Minister Modi last night, he's got approval ratings that would make me jealous," Vance said.

US Vice President JD Vance said that President Trump wants America and India to grow. “I believe that India, US have much to offer one another,” Reuters quoted him saying.

The fort was built in four different phases, and the palace inside was home to the Rajput kings and their families.

It includes a Diwan-e-Aam (a hall where the king met the public), a Diwan-e-Khaas (a hall for private meetings), a Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), and a Sukh Niwas.

The Sheesh Mahal has many tiny mirrors arranged in a special way on the walls. Even a small ray of light can reflect off them and light up the whole hallway.

The Sukh Niwas is known for its clever cooling system, where cool air flows over running water to keep the place comfortable.

The Amber Fort is situated in the Aravalli mountain range, nearly 11 km from state capital Jaipur. Its extensive palace complex is built with pale yellow, pink sandstone and white marble. The fort is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyards.

Man Singh I started the construction of the new palace complex at the end of the 16th century.

After Raja Man Singh I, Mirza Raja Jai Singh I and Sawai Jai Singh II made some modifications, including to the interiors of the fort.

Amber was the capital of the Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty before they shifted their capital to Jaipur.

Jamieson Greer, US Trade Representative, welcomed the joint statement made by US Vice President Vance and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Greer said "These ongoing talks will help achieve balance and reciprocity by opening new markets for American goods and addressing unfair practices that harm American workers. India's constructive engagement so far has been welcomed and I look forward to creating new opportunities for workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs in both countries". (ANI)

US vice-president JD Vance, along with US Second Lady Usha Vance and their children, embarked on a cultural visit to Jaipur on Tuesday. They visited the Amer Fort, also called Amber Fort, which is a world heritage site. At the fort, they were by two decorated female elephants named Chanda and Mala by raising their trunks, PTI repoorted citing an official.

They also witnessed a cultural performance featuring folk dances, including Kacchi Ghodi, Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Rajasthan, he said. Click here to see pics.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal on Tuesday emphasised the importance of US Vice President JD Vance's visit to India, stating that his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will play a crucial role in strengthening trade relations between both nations, reported ANI.

"In the current global situation, the visit of the Vice President of America to India is very important. His meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will strengthen the trade relations between India and America. Not just for trade but also for the spread of India's culture and heritage across the US, this visit is important... I am hopeful that there will also be a discussion on how far India's interests will be protected in the current trade tariff battle," Khandelwal said.

Rambagh Palace, which is hosting US Vice President JD Vance and his family during their time in the city, was built in 1835. It is operated by Taj Hotels and is the former residence of Maharaja of Jaipur. It also once served as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge.

The Rambagh Palace houses many renowned restaurants, among which one is the Suvarna Mahal, in the 18th-century-styled palace ballroom of the accommodation.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari extended a warm welcome to United States Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their children during their visit to the Amer Fort in Jaipur on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister Sharma seen greeting and shaking hands with Vance's sons.

Sharing a post on X, Sharma wrote, "It was an honour to welcome the Vice President of the USA, Mr. JD Vance, along with his family, to the historic Amer Fort in Jaipur today." (ANI)

United States Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha Vance and their children was welcomed by Rajasthan chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma and deputy chief minister Diya Kumar at Jaipur's Amber Fort.

US Vice President JD Vance is set to deliver a lecture on US-India relations at Rajasthan International Centre (RIC) in Jaipur later in the day. He will leave for Agra on Wednesday morning and will return to Jaipur in the afternoon, as he is scheduled to visit the City Palace in the Rajasthan capital.