Agra, April 23 – United States Vice President James David Vance visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra on Wednesday as part of his ongoing four-day family tour to India. He was accompanied by his wife Usha and their three children, Evan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
As per agency report, the Vice President arrived at Kheria Airport in Agra, where he was warmly welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. After a brief exchange with the Chief Minister, Vance and his family proceeded by car to the Taj Mahal complex. The route from the airport to the monument was specially adorned for the occasion. Hundreds of school children lined the streets, waving Indian and American flags to greet the visiting dignitaries.
During the visit to the 17th-century mausoleum, regarded as a symbol of eternal love, Vance appeared deeply impressed. In the visitors' diary, he described the Taj Mahal as a marvel, calling it a testament to true love, human creativity, and a magnificent creation of a great nation like India.
Government sources indicated that elaborate arrangements were made to make the visit memorable. The roads leading to the monument were decorated with colorful rangolis, sand art, and other festive embellishments. Key intersections along the route featured themed decorations that reflected the spirit of Indo-American friendship.
Security arrangements were tight throughout the Vice President's stay. A 12-kilometer stretch from the airport to the monument, via Shilpgram, was declared a zero-traffic zone. US security personnel had arrived in Agra three days prior to the visit to coordinate logistics with Indian agencies.
After spending over an hour exploring the Taj Mahal, the Vance family returned to the airport, concluding a three-hour stay in the city. This visit was part of a larger itinerary that began with a tour of Delhi's Akshardham Temple on Monday. Vice President Vance also met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence during his stay in the capital.
