The Trip to India That Made Jackie Kennedy a Legend

Her fashion, poise, and grace were on display for the world.

From riding elephants to teaching people how to do the Twist, Jackie Kennedy’s Goodwill visit to India and Pakistan in March of 1962 secured her image as a fun-loving and gracious international diplomat. Everywhere she went in India crowds were adoring and her wardrobe for the trip, simple yet extremely fashionable, was scrutinized as some of the most fashion forward of the era. In making this trip, Jackie paved the way for future U.S. relations with both India and Pakistan.

At the Taj Mahal. Via/ JFK Presidential Library
“People gather on a street in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, to welcome First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy upon her arrival.” Via/ JFK Presidential Library
“First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy feeds an elephant, Urvashi, in the garden of the Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru’s residence, Teen Murti Bhavan. New Delhi, India.” Via/ JFK Presidential Library
Taking pictures at the New Delhi residence of the Indian Prime Minister, seated next to United States Ambassador to India, John Kenneth Galbraith. Via/ JFK Presidential Library
Visiting the Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru’s residence, Teen Murti Bhavan. Via/ JFK Presidential Library
Sirmoor Cup in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Via/ JFK Presidential Library
Boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Via/ JFK Presidential Library
At the Ninth Annual Pakistani National Horse and Cattle Show at Fortress Stadium in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Via/ JFK Presidential Library
Objects from the medieval armory of the Maharana of Udaipur, Bhagwat Singh, being shown to the First Lady at a reception at Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Via/ JFK Presidential Library
Attending a performance of Khyber Rifles bagpipers at the Khyber Rifles officers’ mess at Landi Kotal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Via/ JFK Presidential Library
Visiting with children at Bal Sahyog, a social organization for needy children. Via/ JFK Presidential Library

Click “Next Page” to see the rest of these lively color photos of the First Lady in India!

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