Elephants Chanda and Pushpa Welcome US VP JD Vance, Family at Jaipur's Amer Fort

In a stunning showcase of Indian heritage and hospitality, United States Vice President JD Vance and his family were welcomed at Jaipur’s iconic Amer Fort with grandeur befitting royalty. The highlight of the welcome ceremony was a salute by two majestic elephants, Chanda and Pushpa, who greeted the Vance family in a spectacle that blended cultural symbolism with warm diplomacy.

Arriving in Jaipur as part of a broader diplomatic visit to India, JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their children Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel, was given a traditional Rajasthani welcome on Monday. The cultural celebration took place at Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located around 11 kilometers from Rajasthan's capital city. Perched atop a scenic hill, Amer Fort is a 16th-century architectural masterpiece crafted from pale yellow sandstone and white marble, attracting tourists from all over the globe.

As the Vance family arrived at the fort, they were greeted by vibrant Rajasthani folk artists and dancers performing traditional music and dance. The centerpiece of the event was the ceremonial salute from elephants Chanda and Pushpa, who were specially trained at Hathi Gaon, a village dedicated to the care and management of elephants near Amber. Their graceful and regal welcome left an indelible impression on the visiting dignitaries.

The fort itself was closed to the public for 24 hours to facilitate the high-profile visit. Following the welcome, the Vance family embarked on a guided tour of the expansive fort, exploring its historic courtyards, ornate palaces, and intricately carved gateways. The structure's blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, complete with frescoes, mirror work, and marble flooring, offered a striking glimpse into the rich legacy of Rajasthan’s royal past.

During their stay in Jaipur, the Vance family is residing at the luxurious Rambagh Palace, one of the city’s most opulent heritage hotels. The palace, once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, has hosted numerous international dignitaries and celebrities over the years. The choice of Rambagh Palace for the Vice President’s stay underscores the diplomatic warmth between India and the United States, blending comfort, culture, and legacy.

Beyond the majestic welcome and sightseeing, Vice President Vance has a packed schedule in Rajasthan. He is expected to visit other iconic landmarks in Jaipur such as Hawa Mahal, the five-story honeycomb palace known for its intricate latticework, and Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory from the 18th century renowned for its precise instruments.

Later in the day, Vance is set to deliver a keynote address on US-India relations at the Rajasthan International Centre (RIC). The lecture, attended by diplomats, Indian officials, academics, and policy experts, aims to further deepen the strategic and cultural ties between the two nations. His speech is anticipated to touch upon shared interests in defence, clean energy, advanced technologies, and democratic values.

The Vice President’s cultural immersion in Jaipur is also expected to include meetings with Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade. These engagements are part of a broader diplomatic itinerary that began with a high-level meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. During their discussions, both leaders focused on strengthening cooperation in areas including defence collaboration, energy security, and cutting-edge technologies.

JD Vance’s visit comes at a time when the relationship between India and the United States is gaining renewed momentum. Both nations have expressed interest in elevating their strategic partnership through people-to-people connections, cultural exchanges, and enhanced economic collaboration. The Vice President’s visit to one of India’s most historic and symbolic regions reinforces the cultural diplomacy component of international relations—one that builds bridges through shared appreciation of heritage, tradition, and community.

As the Vance family continues their journey through India with a scheduled stop in Agra to visit the iconic Taj Mahal before departing for the United States on April 24, their experience in Jaipur stands out as a vivid celebration of India’s royal hospitality. The elephants, the music, the architecture, and the warmth of Rajasthani culture created not just a memorable moment, but also a powerful symbol of friendship and mutual respect between two of the world’s largest democracies.

In a world often divided by conflict and ideology, this cultural exchange at Amer Fort offered a rare and beautiful reminder of what connects people across continents—shared humanity, appreciation for tradition, and the power of a grand welcome by two elephants named Chanda and Pushpa.