During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States, a heartwarming moment unfolded that left a deep personal impression on the family of U.S. Senator J.D. Vance. Usha Vance, wife of the Ohio Senator and daughter of Indian immigrants, shared an endearing anecdote about how PM Modi’s thoughtful gesture charmed their children.
In a candid conversation during a cultural event hosted in Washington, Usha revealed that PM Modi brought along sweets for the Vance children during a private meeting with the family. The simple yet touching gift instantly broke the ice with the young ones.
“They were hugging him. He gave them sweets, and that was it. He had won them over instantly,” Usha said with a laugh.
The Vance family has strong ties to Indian culture through Usha, whose parents emigrated from India. Her connection to her heritage, paired with the Senator’s growing influence in U.S. politics, has brought added attention to the Vance household’s interactions with global leaders.
Senator J.D. Vance, a prominent figure in the Republican Party and reportedly on the shortlist for a future vice-presidential ticket, has increasingly shown interest in strengthening U.S.-India relations. His family’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi has been seen as a symbolic moment, especially amid discussions about the strategic partnership between the two democracies.
Photos of the children warmly interacting with PM Modi, including the viral image of them embracing him after receiving the sweets, have been widely shared on social media, drawing reactions from both Indian and American audiences.
Many netizens called the moment “pure diplomacy through kindness,” while others saw it as a reflection of Modi’s often personal approach to building relationships.
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As Usha Vance put it, “It wasn’t about politics in that moment. It was about connection — and for our kids, a sweet one.”
This episode is being widely interpreted as a soft power moment that added a personal touch to Modi’s diplomatic visit, which also included high-level meetings and a state banquet hosted by top U.S. officials.
Whether through trade discussions or sweets shared with children, the visit highlighted how relationships between nations can sometimes be strengthened in the most human of ways.