US Vice President JD Vance is set to visit India later this month, marking his second international trip since assuming office. According to Politico, he will be accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, making this her first official visit to her ancestral homeland in her new role.
Vance’s visit follows his recent diplomatic engagements in France and Germany, where his remarks at the Munich Security Conference drew strong reactions. His speech, which centered on illegal migration, religious freedoms, and election integrity, surprised European allies who had expected discussions on a potential Russia-Ukraine peace agreement.
Diplomatic and Personal Significance
The visit carries both strategic and personal importance. Usha Vance, the first Indian-American Hindu Second Lady of the United States, assumed the role after her husband was sworn in as the 50th Vice President on January 21, 2025. Her presence in India highlights not only deepening political ties between the U.S. and India but also her personal connection to the country.
Vice President Vance’s discussions with Indian leadership are expected to build on prior engagements. In February, during a meeting in Paris, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed key areas of cooperation, including U.S. support for India’s transition to cleaner and more reliable nuclear energy. Following their discussions, Modi hosted the Vance family for a coffee meeting, presenting gifts to their children and extending birthday wishes to their son, Vivek, according to a White House statement.
Strengthening US-India Relations
Vance’s visit comes at a crucial time for U.S.-India relations, which have seen significant advancements in trade, defense, and technological cooperation. Both nations continue to align on global security and economic priorities, reinforcing their strategic partnership amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
The visit also marks a continuation of the diplomatic engagement established during President Donald Trump’s first term. While Trump and Modi maintained a strong rapport, tensions emerged during Trump’s re-election campaign when he criticized India’s trade policies. As Vice President Vance embarks on his first visit to India, his discussions with Indian officials will be closely watched for indications of the future trajectory of bilateral ties.
JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance: A Profile of the US Vice President and His Indian-American Wife
JD Vance: From Author to Vice President
James David "JD" Vance, the 50th Vice President of the United States, has had a remarkable journey from an author and venture capitalist to one of the most influential figures in American politics. Born in 1984 in Middletown, Ohio, Vance gained national recognition with his 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, which chronicled his upbringing in a working-class Appalachian family. The book became a bestseller and was later adapted into a Netflix film.
A graduate of Ohio State University and Yale Law School, Vance initially worked in venture capital before transitioning to politics. His rapid rise in the Republican Party led to his election as a U.S. senator from Ohio in 2022. He later assumed the vice presidency in 2025 under President Donald Trump’s second administration.
Second Lady Usha Vance: The Woman Behind the VP
Usha Vance (née Chilukuri) is a distinguished attorney and the First Indian-American Hindu Second Lady of the United States. She is a partner at the prestigious law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson, where she has built a reputation as a formidable legal mind, representing major corporations and individuals in high-profile litigation cases.
Educational Background and Career
Usha Vance holds an undergraduate degree from Yale University and later attended Yale Law School, where she met JD Vance. Excelling in academia, she went on to clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, a prestigious role that underscores her legal expertise and influence.
Marriage and Family Life
JD and Usha Vance married in 2014 and have three children together. Usha has been an unwavering source of support throughout JD’s career, playing an influential role as he transitioned from business to politics. Despite their distinct cultural backgrounds—JD’s Appalachian roots and Usha’s Indian heritage—the couple has successfully integrated their traditions, fostering a diverse and enriched family life.
Usha Vance’s Indian Heritage: A Deep-Rooted Connection
Born to Telugu-speaking Indian immigrant parents, Usha Vance has maintained a strong connection to her Indian heritage. Her ancestral lineage traces back to Andhra Pradesh, with her paternal roots in Saipuram, Vuyyuru Mandal, Krishna district. Her ancestor, Chilukuri Buchipapayya Sastri, was a well-respected figure in the region. Over time, part of her family relocated to Vadluru, near Tanuku in West Godavari district, while her mother, Lakshmi, hails from Pamarru in Krishna district.
The Chilukuri family has a distinguished academic legacy. Usha’s paternal grandfather, Chilukuri Rama Sastri, was a renowned physics professor at IIT Madras, where an award is now named in his honor. Additionally, her great-aunt, Chilukuri Santhamma, resides in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where she teaches physics at a private university and has authored an English interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita.
Usha was born and raised in California but grew up with a deep appreciation for her Indian heritage. Her visit to India as Second Lady marks a significant personal milestone, as she reconnects with her family's roots in an official capacity for the first time.
A Power Couple in American Politics
As Vice President, JD Vance plays a critical role in shaping U.S. domestic and foreign policy, while Usha Vance continues to make an impact in the legal world and as a prominent public figure. Together, they represent the evolving landscape of American leadership—one that embraces diversity and cultural integration.
Usha Vance’s story, from being the daughter of Indian immigrants to becoming the Second Lady of the United States, reflects the changing face of American politics, where individuals of diverse backgrounds contribute to the highest offices in the nation. Her presence in India will not only strengthen diplomatic ties but also symbolize the enduring bond between the two democracies.
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