JD Vance Says Wife Usha Is a ‘Celebrity’ in India During Family’s Cultural and Trade-Focused Visit

US vice president JD Vance is currently on a four-day visit to India, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their three children, as the two nations work to solidify a new trade deal amid ongoing tensions over tariffs. But while trade and diplomacy dominate the headlines, it’s Usha Vance—the Second Lady of the United States—who has captured the spotlight in her ancestral homeland.

A Celebrated Homecoming for Usha Vance

Usha Vance, née Usha Bala Chilukuri, has drawn significant attention during the family’s India tour, marking her first official visit since becoming Second Lady. Her presence has sparked excitement, particularly in her family’s home state of Andhra Pradesh, where extended relatives and locals have expressed pride in her success.

Now 38, Usha Vance is the first Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady in US history. Her parents, Radhakrishna and Lakshmi Chilukuri, migrated to the US in the late 1970s, and Usha was born and raised in San Diego. A Yale Law graduate, she met JD Vance during law school and has been a pivotal figure in his political journey.

Though her immediate family resides in the US, many of her relatives still live in Andhra Pradesh. Among them is her 96-year-old great aunt, Shanthamma Chilukuri, a retired physicist, who expressed pride and joy in Usha’s achievements. “She belongs to my family, and I feel very happy that she has risen to that height,” she said.

Warm Welcome in India

The Vance family received a grand welcome upon arriving in India, with decorated elephants, classical Indian performances, and warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their itinerary includes visits to Jaipur and Agra, with the iconic Amber Fort and Taj Mahal among the stops. In Jaipur, the family braved 40°C temperatures as they toured historical landmarks and watched cultural performances.

In Delhi, they visited the Akshardham Temple, where the family posed for photos in traditional Indian attire. Mr Vance noted the local enthusiasm for his wife: “My wife Usha is a bit of a celebrity in India, much more so than me.”

Family Roots and Village Pride

Though the Vance family didn’t visit Usha’s ancestral villages this time, locals in Vadluru and Saipuram were hopeful for a future visit. Former village head P Srinivasa Raju shared that a temple had been built at the site of Usha’s ancestral home and extended an open invitation for her return.

“We are very happy as she belongs to our village. We would like to welcome her here next time,” he said.

Trade Talks Amid Tariff Concerns

JD Vance’s visit carries significant political weight as well, as India seeks to finalize a bilateral trade deal with the US and avoid stiff tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump. Earlier this month, Trump announced a 26% tariff on Indian goods before pausing the move to allow negotiations to proceed.

Mr Vance, speaking in Jaipur, praised the warmth of India’s reception and stressed the importance of collaboration. “President Trump wants America to grow. He wants India to grow,” he said, adding that failing to work together could result in a “dark time for all of humanity.”

Modi and Vance discussed key sectors including defence, energy, and strategic technologies. A roadmap was reportedly agreed upon for further trade negotiations, with a shared goal of reaching $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.

Symbolism and Significance

The visit is being closely watched by global observers, especially amid rising scrutiny of the Trump administration’s tough trade posture. For many in India, the Vance family’s presence symbolizes not only diplomatic engagement but also cultural ties that span generations and continents.

While the political outcomes remain to be seen, one thing is certain—Usha Vance’s return to India has been more than ceremonial. It’s a cultural bridge and a moment of pride for Indian-Americans, and a reminder of the personal stories behind international diplomacy.