Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a prominent figure in Indian politics and a member of the influential Nehru-Gandhi family, has maintained a remarkably consistent and publicly documented romantic history centered around her marriage to businessman Robert Vadra. Their relationship, spanning decades, has navigated the complexities of public life, political scrutiny, and personal challenges, standing as a testament to their enduring bond.
Their story began in their formative years, with Priyanka Gandhi and Robert Vadra first crossing paths as teenagers. They met through a common friend, often spending time together at a large house where they engaged in various sports, including badminton. According to Robert Vadra, Priyanka was drawn to his simplicity and sense of humor, and he found her engaging.
The connection deepened over time, and in an interview, Robert Vadra revealed that it was Priyanka Gandhi who first proposed to him. Their courtship was conducted with a degree of privacy, often meeting at Priyanka's home at 10 Janpath or occasionally at Robert's residence in New Friends Colony, Delhi, due to the intense security surrounding Priyanka as a member of India's most prominent political family.
Priyanka Gandhi and Robert Vadra tied the knot on February 18, 1997, in a private ceremony at the Gandhi family's residence. The wedding marked the union of two individuals from different backgrounds, with Priyanka from a political dynasty and Robert from a business family with roots in Moradabad. Their marriage was a significant event, drawing considerable media attention despite its understated nature.
The couple soon welcomed children into their lives. Their son, Raihan Vadra, was born in 1999, followed by their daughter, Miraya Vadra, in 2002. Priyanka has often emphasized her desire to provide her children with a normal upbringing, away from the intense glare of public life, reflecting her own experiences growing up in a political family.
Over the years, their relationship has been characterized by mutual support, particularly in the face of public controversies surrounding Robert Vadra's business dealings. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has consistently stood by her husband, publicly defending him against allegations of corruption and land irregularities. She has often stated that she considers him one of the "cleanest" people she knows, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated.
These controversies have frequently brought their private lives into the public domain, especially during election cycles. Despite the intense scrutiny and the political attacks often directed at Robert Vadra, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has remained a steadfast partner, frequently appearing with him at public events and offering visible solidarity. In April 2025, she was seen hugging him before he entered the Enforcement Directorate office for questioning, a gesture widely reported as a public display of support.
Their bond has been described as strong and resilient, weathering both personal tragedies and public challenges. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra herself has occasionally shared glimpses of their personal life on social media, celebrating their anniversaries and family moments, often highlighting their shared laughter and the strength of their family unit. On their 26th wedding anniversary in February 2023, Priyanka posted, "38 years since we first met and we're still laughing with each other and at each other!"
Today, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Robert Vadra continue their journey together, with Priyanka having formally entered electoral politics and recently winning the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat. Their relationship remains a prominent, albeit often scrutinized, aspect of their public personas, demonstrating a long-standing partnership built on personal connection and unwavering support amidst the demanding landscape of Indian public life. Their enduring marriage stands as the central pillar of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's publicly known romantic history.