LIVE: Vances receive traditional Rajasthani welcome at Jaipur's Amber Fort

US Vice President JD Vance, visiting India with his wife and children, on Tuesday (April 22) landed in Jaipur, where he was accorded a traditional Rajasthani welcome at the historic Amber Fort.

Vance, accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri, their three children -- Ewan, Vivek, Mirabel -- departed the luxurious Rambagh Palace Hotel, surrounded by tight security, and reached the UNESCO World Heritage site at around 9.30 am. They received a red carpet welcome.

The family enjoyed a cultural performance featuring folk dances, including Kacchi Ghodi, Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Rajasthan. Vice President Vance walked the red carpet holding his sons, Ewan and Vivek, by the hand, while his wife, Usha Vance, carried their daughter Mirabel. The family appeared captivated by the impressive courtyard and architecture.

Vance arrived in Delhi on Monday morning on a four-day visit that came weeks after President Trump imposed and then paused a sweeping tariff regime against around 60 countries, including India.

Also read: Will PM convey India's concerns on multilateral trading system: Congress on Vance visit

‘Significant progress in bilateral pact’

On Monday evening, Vance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks focusing on boosting cooperation in areas of defence, energy and strategic technologies. In a statement issued after the meeting, the two sides said they made "significant progress" in negotiations for a mutually beneficial bilateral trade pact.

The White House said Vance and Modi welcomed "significant progress" in the negotiations for the trade pact and formally announced the "finalisation of the terms of reference" for the negotiations, laying down a roadmap for further discussions about our economic priorities.

Following the talks, Modi hosted Vance and his family over dinner at his 7 Lok Kalyan Marg residence that was also joined by several Union Cabinet ministers and American officials.

Also read: Vances’ Delhi schedule: Akshardham temple visit, dinner with PM Modi

The prime minister's office said Modi conveyed to Vance his warm greetings for President Donald Trump and said that he looked forward to his visit to India later this year.

Modi’s message

In a social media post, Modi said the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership will be a defining partnership of the 21st century for a "better future of our people and the world".

"Pleased to welcome US @VP @JDVance and his family in New Delhi. We reviewed the fast-paced progress following my visit to the US and meeting with President Trump," he said.

"We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges," he added.

New Delhi and Washington are holding negotiations to seal a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) as agreed during Modi's talks with Trump in Washington DC in February.

Also read: 'Zero-for-zero' tariff strategy under India-US trade pact unlikely

The trade pact is expected to address a variety of issues including tariff and market access. India is looking at firming up the first tranche of the trade pact before Trump's pause on the customised reciprocal tariffs lapses.

Amrit Kaal and Golden Age

The White House said the trade pact (BTA) "presents an opportunity" to negotiate a new and modern agreement focused on promoting job creation and citizen well-being in both countries, with the goal of enhancing bilateral trade and supply-chain integration in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner.

"Guided by their respective visions of 'Amrit Kaal for India' and 'Golden Age for America,' BTA is expected to create new opportunities of growth for workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs in both countries," it said.

In a post on 'X', Vance said: "It was an honor to see Prime Minister Modi this evening. He’s a great leader and he 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!" he said.

Also read: JD Vance’s Greenland visit sparks row after Second Lady’s humiliating experience

Agra, Rajasthan visit

Vance is the first US vice president to visit India in 12 years after Joe Biden visited New Delhi in 2013.

On April 22, the Vances will visit a number of historical sites in Jaipur including the Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort. The fort is a UNESCO world heritage site.

In the afternoon, the US Vice President is scheduled to address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Center in Jaipur.

Vance is expected to delve into broader aspects of India-US relations under the Trump administration during his speech that is expected to be attended by diplomats, foreign policy experts, Indian government officials and academia.

The US Vice President and his family will travel to Agra on the morning of April 23, people familiar with the matter said.

In Agra, they will visit the Taj Mahal and Shilpgram, which is an open-air emporium showcasing various Indian artefacts, they said.

After concluding their visit to Agra, the Vances will return to Jaipur on the second half of April 23.

Vance and his family will depart for the US from Jaipur on April 24, according to the people cited above.

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