U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has drawn widespread criticism after publicly expressing his wish for his Indian-American wife, Usha Vance, to convert to Christianity during a speech at the University of Mississippi.

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in his 30s, said that although Usha grew up in a Hindu family, it was“not particularly religious,” and that both considered themselves“agnostic” when they first met. He added that he hopes she will one day experience the same“transformative power” he felt upon embracing Christianity.

The remarks reignited debate about religious sensitivity and respect for personal faith choices in interracial and interfaith marriages. Usha Vance, born in southern California to Indian immigrant parents, has previously stated that she does not plan to convert to Christianity.

In earlier interviews, Usha said that while their children attend a Catholic school, they are free to choose their own faith. She also emphasized that they remain connected to Hindu traditions through books, cultural practices, and family visits to India.

Critics, particularly from the Indian-American community, accused Vance of disrespecting his wife's faith. Some argued that his comments implied Hinduism was inferior to Christianity, further fueling concerns about religious intolerance in U.S. politics.

Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, said Vance's remarks suggested that his wife's faith“isn't enough,” calling the comments“like pouring gasoline on fire.”

Other scholars, including Dr. Sangay Mishra of Drew University, said the vice president's words may reflect personal belief but also resonate with broader narratives of white Christian nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment in American politics.

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