American "New York Times" reported on October 31, that "Indian son-in-law," U.S. Vice President Vance, during an event at the University of Mississippi on October 29, said he hoped his wife Usha Vance, who grew up in a Hindu family, would eventually convert to Catholicism. This statement sparked widespread opposition.

Vance responded to a question from the audience on the same day, saying: "Do I hope she will eventually be moved by things in the church like me? Honestly, I do. Because I believe in the Gospel of Christ, I hope my wife will eventually have the same view as me."

The event aimed to commemorate the slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with thousands of students present. The remarks quickly faced widespread criticism on social media.

Not only did cross-party figures criticize it, but Indian and Indian-American Americans also voiced their objections.

They argued that Vance had not respected his wife's religious choice. Others pointed out that in the context of the Trump administration increasing immigration enforcement, many South Asian Americans and non-Christian believers feel uneasy and concerned about their status in American society, and Vance's comments implied that Hinduism was "inferior."

Suhag Shukla, Executive Director of the Indian American Foundation, stated that Vance's comments "essentially meant that my wife, this quality (referring to her Hindu faith) is not good enough."

Shukla, who has criticized both Democrats and Republicans, said, "If you're just a regular pastor, it doesn't matter. But he (Vance) is not 'the chief pastor,' he is a vice president who wants to become president."

Shukla said, "There are already many uncertainties within the Indian-American community, and this comment is undoubtedly adding fuel to the fire."

Usha Vance has not publicly responded to her husband's comments or the backlash they have generated.

On October 31 local time, Vance responded to the overwhelming criticism. On the social platform X, some users accused him of "sacrificing his wife's religious beliefs," to which Vance replied that the statement was "disgusting" and filled with "anti-Christian prejudice."

He also stated that his wife Usha was the "greatest gift" in his life and mentioned that he had said this during the event that day. Vance said that Usha had encouraged him to recommit to his faith, and although he still hoped that she would convert to Catholicism, he would "continue to love and support her" regardless.

According to the "New York Times," it is not uncommon for couples in interfaith relationships to hope that their partner converts to their religion.

Vance grew up in a relatively lax evangelical family. He has spoken about going through a "angry atheist phase" and later converting to Catholicism.

Vance's belief in Catholicism is clearly reflected in his political stance, as he often emphasizes traditional family values, social conservatism, and economic populism.

His wife, Usha Vance, was born and raised in Southern California, and her parents are Indian immigrants. She has mentioned that she grew up in a devout Hindu family.

Vance and Usha met while studying at Yale Law School. Vance's book "Hillbilly Elegy," which brought him fame in the United States, recounts the story of how he met Usha at Yale Law School, describing her as "a smart daughter of Indian immigrants."

In June, when speaking on a podcast, Usha Vance stated that although their children currently attend Catholic schools, they can choose whether to receive baptism (Catholic).

"My children know I am not a Catholic, and they have many ways to access Hindu culture," she said, "we give them related books and take them to learn about these things. Recently, during their trip to India, they were exposed to some religious elements,"

Usha Vance said, "So Hinduism is part of their lives, and in family life, they also know many people who practice Hinduism."

The "New York Times" reported that recently, amid rising anti-immigration rhetoric in the United States, Vance's comments seem to have touched people's sensitive nerves.

The "Stop AAPI Hate" organization, which tracks violence against Asian Americans, released a report in August indicating a sharp increase in online hate speech targeting South Asians.

Earlier this month, a city council member in Palm Bay, Florida, Chandler Rangnekar, was condemned for making a series of inappropriate remarks on social media. He claimed that Indians came to the United States to "drain our wallets" and called for the collective deportation of Indians.

Rangnekar is currently suing the city of Palm Bay, claiming that being condemned limited his freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Professor Sangay Mishra of Drew University said that Vance's comments may stem from his personal deep-seated thoughts, but to some people, this statement actually "echoes broader anti-immigrant, anti-migrant, anti-replacement theory, and white Christian nationalism political currents."

This April, "Indian son-in-law" Vance made his first visit to India, with Usha Vance and the children joining. One day before the visit to India, as a devout Catholic, Vance met with the Pope in Vatican City.

During the visit, he and his family toured cultural sites in the tourist city of Jaipur and Agra, the location of the Taj Mahal.

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