The United States Vice President JD Vance drew attention on Sunday after making a light-hearted remark during high-level US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland, saying that his two "favourite" people from India and Pakistan were his wife, Usha Vance and Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Speaking at the opening session of the diplomatic talks, Vance said, "I have two favourite people in my life, Pakistan and India. " One is my Indian wife, and the other is Pakistan Field Marshal Munir here."
The comment quickly gained traction as it came during a significant international diplomatic event involving the United States, Iran and several regional mediators.
US and Iran begin fresh diplomatic engagement
According to NDTV, JD Vance's remarks came as Washington and Tehran formally launched a new round of negotiations in Switzerland. The talks, referred to as the "Lake Lucerne Summit", are focused on expanding an interim agreement reached earlier and reducing tensions that have persisted in the Middle East over recent months.
The meeting also seeks to ensure stability in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most crucial oil shipping routes.
Addressing delegates, Vance said the United States hopes to reshape its relationship with Iran through sustained diplomacy rather than conflict.
"The question before us now is how much more can we accomplish together? Can we turn over a new leaf? Can we change relations in the Middle East permanently, or do we go back to doing things the old way?" he said.
He described the meeting as historic and said both countries had an opportunity to pursue a different path.
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Pakistan and Qatar play mediator roles
According to NDTV, the Switzerland talks have brought together representatives from several countries acting as facilitators, including Pakistan and Qatar.
Vance acknowledged the role of participating nations and emphasised that diplomacy could help transform instability in the Middle East while protecting global energy supplies.
"We look forward to transforming Middle East instability through diplomacy and promoting peace, as well as the free flow of oil," he said.
He added that the United States was extending an "outstretched hand" towards Iran in the hope of building a more stable future.
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Usha Vance often highlighted by JD Vance
According to NDTV, JD Vance has frequently spoken about the influence of his wife, Usha Vance, who is of Indian origin and has been a prominent figure throughout his political career.
Her Indian heritage has often featured in discussions about Vance's personal life and international connections.
His mention of Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir alongside his wife, however, surprised many observers and quickly became one of the talking points emerging from the diplomatic summit in Switzerland.
