Usha Vance's visit to India is considered highly significant from several perspectives. This trip will not only strengthen bilateral relations between India and the United States but could also add a new dimension to the two countries' partnership in global politics.
New Delhi: U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in New Delhi on Sunday morning for a four-day visit to India. He is accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children – Ivan, Vivek, and Mirabelle. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw warmly welcomed the American delegation at Palam Airport. However, the most notable aspect of this visit is that it marks Usha Vance's first official trip to India since her husband became Vice President in January 2025.
Being of Indian descent, Usha Vance's visit is not merely a diplomatic tour; it also represents a display of emotional and cultural connection. Observers have varying expectations for this visit, ranging from hopes for strengthened diplomatic ties to pride in the global success of people of Indian origin.
Usha Vance: Indian Roots, American Ascent
Usha Vance was born in 1986 in San Diego, California. Her parents emigrated from Vadduru village in Andhra Pradesh and belong to the Telugu-speaking Hindu community. Her grandfather, Ramashastri Chilukuri, moved to Chennai around 1959 to teach at IIT Madras. This background reflects her family's academic, cultural, and religious traditions.
Usha Vance received higher education from Yale University and Cambridge and has had a distinguished career as a lawyer. She clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and then-D.C. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh. She later practiced at the prestigious San Francisco law firm, Munger, Tolles & Olson.
Hindu Faith and Family Values
Usha Vance is deeply connected to her Indian roots and Hindu religious traditions. In an interview, she stated, "I grew up in a religious family. My parents are Hindu, and that’s one thing that made them good people and good parents. I’ve seen the power of religion."
This statement not only reflects religious devotion but also indicates how Indian culture and Hindu values play a significant role in her life decisions.
In 2014, she married J.D. Vance, her Yale Law School classmate. Their wedding incorporated both Hindu and Christian customs, showcasing respect for both their cultures and traditions.
Behind-the-Scenes Influence
Usha Vance maintains a low public profile and distance from the media. However, insiders believe she plays a significant advisory role in her husband's politics and decisions. During the 2024 election campaign, she not only offered support but also joined the Republican Party, having previously been a Democrat.
While critics question her reticence, those close to her describe Usha as a strategic and balanced thinker, adept at assessing situations and providing direction. She also emphasizes Indian traditions in raising her children. The names of her children – Ivan, Vivek, and Mirabelle – reflect their cultural blend.
India Visit: A New Beginning
Usha Vance's visit to India is historic in many ways. It's not only a means of steering U.S.-India relations in a new direction but also an inspiration for the Indian-American community. It is anticipated that during this trip, Usha Vance may visit not only Delhi but also her ancestral village, Vadduru. This visit will hold significant emotional importance, especially as she is America's first Indian-American Second Lady.
The Indian government is also giving this visit special consideration. Diplomatic circles expect substantive discussions between the Trump-Vance administration and Prime Minister Modi on bilateral issues, with key conversations focusing on trade, technology, defense, and education. However, Usha Vance's connection to India also adds a personal and spiritual dimension to this trip.
Pride and Questions for the Community
While people of Indian origin are proud of Usha Vance's achievements, some South Asian American organizations are raising questions about her husband's conservative policies. The Trump-Vance administration's views on immigration and reproductive rights may be unsettling for the South Asian community.
Nevertheless, Usha Vance's visit serves as an inspiring example for Indian-American women, demonstrating how one can maintain their culture and identity while leading on a global stage.
