Vice President JD Vance’s diplomatic tour has taken a grim turn as a deadly terrorist attack in India unfolded shortly after his arrival, marking yet another tragic event connected to his ongoing global travels. The string of incidents has stirred public commentary and online speculation, with some jokingly suggesting Vance’s presence may be cursed.
Vance, who is traveling with his wife Usha and their children, was in India this week following a visit to the Vatican, where he met briefly with Pope Francis. The meeting occurred just hours before the pontiff’s unexpected passing on Easter Monday.
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance wrote on social media the following day. “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.”
The Vatican later confirmed that Pope Francis, who was 88 years old and had been battling pneumonia in both lungs, died from a stroke that led to a coma and total cardiovascular collapse.
While the cause of death was consistent with his recent health problems, the timing of the death—so soon after his meeting with Vance—set off a wave of dark humor and speculation online.
"Yesterday JD Vance met Pope Francis in Vatican & Today Pope Francis passed away. Today JD Vance arrived in India & meeting…" one user posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The somber tone surrounding Vance’s visit to India intensified on Tuesday when gunmen attacked a group of tourists in the scenic region of Pahalgam in Kashmir.
At least 24 people were killed and over 36 injured, many critically, after armed militants opened fire in the popular Baisaran meadow area, a well-known destination famous for its mountain views and pine forests.
Indian police have described the incident as a terrorist attack, blaming separatist militants who have long opposed Indian rule in Kashmir. The attackers reportedly targeted a tourist group, including both domestic and foreign travelers. Local authorities have launched a full investigation, and additional security has been deployed throughout the region.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu condemned the incident, calling it a “dastardly and inhuman act.”
Vice President Vance, who was in New Delhi meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi just hours before the attack occurred, responded to the tragedy in a message posted to social media.
“Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India,” he wrote. “Over the past few days, we have been overcome by the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”
The vice president’s visit to India is part of a four-day diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening economic ties between the United States and India. The trip comes as trade negotiations continue amid President Donald Trump’s ongoing recalibration of U.S. tariffs.
Earlier this year, Trump temporarily paused certain tariffs on strategic trade partners, including India, in an effort to improve bilateral relations and secure better terms on technology, defense, and agricultural exchanges.
Vance is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, where he is expected to outline the administration’s goals for a future trade agreement and offer commentary on the evolving relationship between the world’s two largest democracies.
Despite the serious nature of Vance’s mission, public attention has largely focused on the eerie series of events surrounding his travels. The death of the Pope, followed by a high-casualty terror attack in India, has sparked a wave of social media commentary that some have described as bordering on superstition.
“I can’t help but feel that JD Vance brings misfortune,” one user wrote, while another joked that he should “stay in Ohio” to avoid bringing further tragedy abroad.
Another poster called the situation “strange and sad,” noting that Vance’s itinerary appears to be followed by catastrophic events, even though there is no logical connection between his visits and the incidents.
So far, Vance has not addressed the viral speculation directly, but aides traveling with the vice president say he is focused on his diplomatic agenda and has been in close communication with both Indian officials and U.S. national security teams following the attack.
“Vice President Vance remains committed to fostering strong and peaceful international partnerships,” a spokesperson said. “He is grateful for the warm reception from Indian leaders and continues to stand with the people of India during this tragic time.”
Vance’s trip was already under public scrutiny following his brief and controversial meeting with Pope Francis. Though the Vatican did not publicize many details about the meeting, photos showed Vance with the ailing pope in a small private setting. Observers noted the pontiff looked visibly frail, fueling online chatter once news of his death broke.
The vice president’s previous stops on the tour have included meetings with business leaders and heads of state in several European capitals, part of a broader initiative to strengthen U.S. influence overseas. The trip has also been intended to lay groundwork for future trade and security agreements under Trump’s second administration.
Although Vice President Vance has only been in office for just over three months, his profile has risen quickly. As a former senator from Ohio and bestselling author, Vance has drawn attention for his alignment with Trump’s America First platform and his reputation as a combative but articulate spokesperson for conservative values.
His performance on the world stage, however, is now being defined as much by the unexpected tragedies occurring around him as by his official duties. Some political commentators have called it an unlucky coincidence, while others warn that the events could distract from the important diplomatic goals of the trip.
“He’s not responsible for these events, obviously,” said one international affairs analyst. “But the optics are unusual, and perception matters in politics—especially in foreign relations.”
Security for the remainder of the trip has been increased, particularly as Vance travels to Jaipur for his upcoming address. Officials from the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi confirmed that all American personnel in the area are accounted for and that no U.S. citizens were among the victims of the Kashmir attack.
Indian authorities continue their investigation into the incident, and several suspects are reportedly being pursued in the region. Military presence in the area has been bolstered, and Prime Minister Modi has vowed a swift and firm response.
“We will not be intimidated,” Modi said during a televised statement on Tuesday. “India will stand united against terrorism, and justice will be done.”
As for Vance, he is expected to continue his itinerary as planned, though advisors are monitoring the situation and remain in contact with both Indian security officials and the White House.
The vice president’s next stops include further trade discussions, as well as a cultural visit to a rural development center in Rajasthan. His speech in Jaipur is expected to emphasize the shared democratic values between India and the United States and call for a new chapter in economic and security cooperation.
Whether the rest of Vance’s tour continues without incident remains to be seen, but for now, he appears determined to keep moving forward despite the somber circumstances.
