Usha Vance Reflects on Memorable India Visit with Family and PM Modi

Usha Vance, the US Second Lady, discussed her recent India trip and her children’s experiences. They fondly considered PM Modi a grandfather figure after their meeting. Vance described the trip as a “trip of a lifetime,” with visits to iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and delightful interactions with the Prime Minister. She emphasized the personal significance of US-India relations and expressed excitement for future connections between the two countries.

Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, shared her heartfelt reflections on her recent trip to India, describing it as a unique and cherished experience. During a discussion at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington, DC, she emphasized how special her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was. Her children, who visited India for the first time, affectionately categorized PM Modi as a grandfather figure, expressing their affection through hugs during their time at his residence.

Vance mentioned that this family journey was monumental, particularly because her children grew up with stories of India but had never seen it firsthand. She reminisced about the mesmerizing sites in North India that they explored, like the Taj Mahal and sampling various local cuisines. “It was just sort of mind-blowing from their perspective,” Vance remarked, highlighting the incredible food and sights like peacocks and the picturesque sunrise at the Taj Mahal.

One touching encounter that Vance recalled was when her children met PM Modi previously in Paris, where he graciously gifted her son a birthday present. Vance spoke fondly of the Prime Minister’s kindness towards her kids, describing him as generous and welcoming. She also noted the fruitful discussions that took place between PM Modi and her husband, Vice President JD Vance, as well as the delightful puppet show they attended, which included elements from the Ramayana.

When reflecting on her children’s experiences, she mentioned how captivated her eldest son, Ewan, was by intricate temple sculptures, while her middle child, Vivek, was thrilled to see various animals, including elephants and camels. Her daughter found joy in a simple auto-rickshaw ride, which was a highlight of her trip. Vance recounted with amusement how her son was so enchanted by the abundance of mangoes at the Prime Minister’s residence that he playfully suggested he could live there.

The Vance family’s April trip lasted four days, filled with engaging moments with PM Modi at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence, where the children gleefully explored alongside him. They visited significant landmarks like the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort, making memorable moments that extended beyond sightseeing. Vance recalled her children’s laughter and curiosity at the Prime Minister’s residence, especially as they interacted with him and received peacock feathers.

Furthermore, Usha Vance emphasized her personal connection to India, referencing her family ties and the importance of the US-India relationship. She described it as not just a political bond but a personal one, given her connections to both nations. As she stated at the Leadership Summit, “This is a time of great opportunity for ties between the two nations. The relationship has ebbed and flowed, but I have always thought of it as very important.”

Usha Vance’s reflections from her trip to India illuminate the personal connections fostered during diplomatic visits, especially through family interactions with PM Modi. She underscores the significance of cultural ties in the evolving relationship between the US and India. The trip not only strengthened familial bonds but also showcased the potential for deeper cooperation between the two nations. Her children’s experiences, filled with joy and wonder, highlighted the importance of these personal narratives in international relations.

Original Source: www.financialexpress.com