JD Vance Cancels Jaipur City Palace Visit Amid Security Concerns

Jaipur, April 23, 2025 – US Vice President JD Vance, currently on a four-day visit to India, has canceled his scheduled visit to Jaipur’s City Palace, which was planned for Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The decision comes in the wake of a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, prompting heightened security measures across Jaipur.

Vance, accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children, arrived in Jaipur from Delhi on Monday night, April 21, 2025. The family’s itinerary included a cultural tour of the iconic Amber Fort on Tuesday, followed by a speech by Vance on India-US relations at the Rajasthan International Centre. The City Palace visit was expected to include a lunch with Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, but officials have not provided an official reason for the cancellation, though sources cite security concerns following the Pahalgam attack as the likely cause.

The Vance family proceeded with a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra on Wednesday morning before returning to Jaipur. They departed for Washington, DC, from Jaipur International Airport on Thursday, April 24, 2025, concluding their India tour, which also included a visit to the Akshardham Temple in Delhi and a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Security in Jaipur was significantly tightened during Vance’s visit, with traffic restrictions and rerouting implemented around key locations, including the Rambagh Palace, where the family stayed, and the Amber Fort. The Rajasthan government had planned a traditional welcome for the Vice President, featuring performances by 34 Rajasthani artists and a ceremonial greeting by elephants named Chanda and Pushpa at the Amber Fort.

Vance expressed condolences for the victims of the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed US support for India during his visit.The US Vice President’s trip highlighted the strengthening of India-US ties, with discussions on a potential trade deal and enhanced cooperation in energy, defense, and strategic technologies. Despite the itinerary change, Vance thanked his Indian hosts for their warm hospitality throughout the visit.