Usha Vance Reflects on India Trip, A Special Bond with PM Modi

Usha Vance, the US Second Lady, shared about her family’s memorable trip to India, emphasizing their bonding experience with Prime Minister Modi. The children viewed Modi as a grandfather figure, cherishing heartfelt moments during their visit. Usha Vance concluded by stressing the significance of personal connections in foster US-India relations.

Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, recently shared enchanting recollections about her recent trip to India, emphasizing the deep connection her children formed there. Reflecting on their visit at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington, DC, she described meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a profoundly special occasion. Her children, who affectionately viewed Modi as a grandfather figure, were excitedly waving and hugging him during their visit to his residence.

During the discussion, Vance expressed that the journey was not just remarkable but also a “trip of a lifetime” for her family, especially because it marked her children’s inaugural visit to India. They explored significant landmarks in North India, such as the Taj Mahal, and indulged in unique culinary experiences. Vance noted, “It really was the trip of a lifetime for us. My children had never been to India…They had just never actually seen it…it was mind-blowing from their perspective.”

She recounted breathtaking moments under the Indian sky, mentioning how they appreciated the beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, calling it magical. Vance additionally reminisced about a prior encounter in which Prime Minister Modi gifted her five-year-old son a birthday present in Paris, showcasing his kindness and attentiveness towards the children. According to her, the interaction between Prime Minister Modi and Vice President JD Vance was also fruitful, establishing a personal rapport between the two leaders.

The family was treated to a puppet show, which featured elements from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. This performance captured the children’s imaginations, so much so that they have been trying to recreate it at home. Usha mentioned, “The kids have been trying to recreate a home of construction paper, which is going about as well as you can imagine,” illuminating their ongoing connection to the experience.

Usha Vance mentioned specific interests of her children during this enriching journey. Her eldest son, Ewan, was mesmerized by the intricate temple sculptures, while her middle child, Vivek, was enchanted when encountering animals like elephants and camels, as well as the vibrant peacocks. Her daughter, meanwhile, relished the thrill of riding in an auto-rickshaw, a highlight that added to the trip’s joy.

Highlighting a cherished anecdote from their time with PM Modi, Usha recalled how her son was captivated by a cart full of mangoes, playfully suggesting he might wish to live at the Prime Minister’s residence—exemplifying the joy of childhood simplicity amidst cultural sophistication.

JD Vance and his family were in India for an official four-day trip in April, during which they engaged in numerous interactive and delightful experiences with PM Modi at his residence. The children enjoyed heartwarming interactions, including receiving peacock feathers from the Prime Minister himself. She shared, “There were several lively moments with Ewan, Vivek and little Mirabel.”

Further adding to the familial dimension, Usha Vance remarked that her relationship with India is deeply personal, having family members both there and in the United States. She emphasized this connection during her discussion at the USISPF Leadership Summit, indicating a promising future for India-US relations. “It is a very personal relationship because I have family members who are in India…this is a time of great opportunity for ties between the two nations.”

The visit stands as a testament to the evolving personal and diplomatic relationships between India and the United States, highlighted through the innocent experiences and interactions of the Vance family.

In summary, Usha Vance’s recent visit to India was memorable for both her and her children, who experienced the wonders of the nation for the first time. The meeting with Prime Minister Modi stood out as a touching encounter, further enriching their journey. Vance’s reflections illustrate the importance of personal connections in diplomacy, reinforcing a friendship that, while personal for her, signifies broader potential for the US-India relationship. This trip, embracing both cultural and familial bonds, appears poised to enhance ties further between the two countries.

Original Source: www.financialexpress.com