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JD Vance Hindu wife controversy:  The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has called on United States Vice President JD Vance to “reciprocate” and engage with Hinduism after his remarks about his wife, Usha Vance’s Hindu background, drew widespread criticism online.

The controversy began after Vance, speaking at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi earlier this week, said he hoped his wife, who was raised in a Hindu household, might “one day be moved by the same thing” that inspired him in church.

Following backlash, including accusations of religious insensitivity, Vance clarified that his comments were made out of love and personal belief, not disrespect. He said his wife remains a practicing Hindu and “has no plans to convert,” adding that she had, in fact, played a key role in helping him reconnect with his Christian faith.

“My wife is not a Christian and has no plans to convert,” Vance said in a post on X. “But like many people in interfaith relationships, I hope she may one day see things as I do. Regardless, I’ll continue to love and support her because she’s my wife.”

HAF Responds: ‘Why Not Reciprocate?’

Responding to the Vice President’s clarification, the Hindu American Foundation posted on X, “With respect, @JDVance, if your wife encouraged you to re-engage with your faith, why not reciprocate that and engage with Hinduism too?”

The group noted that Hinduism is “inherently inclusive and pluralistic” and does not seek to convert others. “Hinduism doesn’t require your spouse to adopt your beliefs. It embraces the idea that there are multiple ways of conceiving the Divine,” HAF said in a statement. The foundation further criticised what it described as “a compulsion from some religious communities to convert Hindus,” calling such behaviour disrespectful to the principles of religious freedom.

The HAF urged Vance, as Vice President, to publicly recognise Hinduism’s positive influence on millions of Hindus and to affirm their right to practise their faith freely in the United States. “It’s more than reasonable, and well within precedent, for a Christian public figure like yourself to acknowledge Hinduism’s positive impact,” the statement said.

It also noted a rise in online hostility against Hindus and urged American leaders to take a stand against “anti-Hindu sentiment and misinformation.”

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Faith, Freedom, And Family

Vance, who often speaks openly about his Christian beliefs, said his marriage exemplifies interfaith respect. “Usha is the most amazing blessing in my life,” he said, reiterating that their marriage is built on love and mutual understanding.

However, HAF warned that several voices within Vance’s political base “do not actually believe that religious freedom should extend to Hindus,” calling such attitudes contrary to America’s founding principles.

ALSO READ: 'Usha Not Christian, Has No Plans To Convert': JD Vance Reacts Amid Row Over Comments On Interfaith Marriage

The exchange between Vance and the HAF has reignited debate in the U.S. over interfaith marriages, conversion, and the broader question of religious inclusivity in public life.

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