A photo of US Vice President-elect JD Vance with his wife Usha Vance’s Indian family has gone viral, sparking widespread admiration and discussion across social media. The image, shared by Silicon Valley-based venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani, captures Vance with approximately 21 of Usha’s family members, gathered at what appears to be a backyard Thanksgiving party.
The image gained attention not just for its warmth but for showcasing Vance embracing the vibrant and close-knit dynamic of his wife’s Indian heritage. Motwani captioned the photo, “JD Vance at Thanksgiving. Reminds me of the big fat Indian wedding,” evoking the cultural significance of large, joyous family gatherings often seen in Indian traditions.
In the photo, JD Vance is dressed casually, carrying his son on his shoulders, while Usha holds their daughter, surrounded by family members. The viral moment struck a chord with many, as it offered a glimpse into the blending of two cultures and highlighted Vance’s efforts to be part of his wife’s Indian family.
Online reactions to the post were overwhelmingly positive. One user remarked, “JD got a sense of real family,” while another noted, “Lots of respect to Vance here for spending time with his wife’s fully Indian family. It can be hard for an outsider to adapt to Indian culture, especially with the older generation. Seems like they had a great time.”
Others pointed out subtle cultural nuances, such as Vance’s son sitting on his shoulders, a gesture many associated with traditional Indian family interactions.
However, the photo wasn’t without its critics. White supremacist commentator Nick Fuentes disparaged the image, illustrating the divisive rhetoric Vance continues to navigate.
JD Vance has previously expressed admiration for Indian culture, particularly its vegetarian cuisine. On Joe Rogan’s podcast earlier this month, Vance praised dishes like paneer, rice, and chickpeas, crediting his wife for introducing him to the flavors of Indian food.
“For any vegetarian out there, indulge in paneer, rice, and chickpeas. Skip the nasty fake meat. If you want to embrace a vegetarian lifestyle, turn to Indian cuisine. It offers wonderful vegetarian options,” he said.
Reflecting on his early attempts to impress Usha with a vegetarian meal, Vance shared a humorous anecdote: “I rolled out a flat thing of crescent rolls. I put raw broccoli on top of it. I sprinkled ranch dressing, and I stuck them in the oven for 45 minutes. The result was disgusting,” he admitted.
JD and Usha Vance met in 2014 while studying law at Yale University. In his memoir, Vance described Usha as his “Yale spirit guide” who helped him navigate life at the prestigious institution. The couple now has three children together.
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