Vance Praises India, Flatters Modi, While Pitching For More Energy, Defense Sales

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – Vice President JD Vance, on a four-day visit to India, expressed strong optimism about the future of U.S.-India relations, particularly in trade and defense, while highlighting the significant benefits of a rebalanced global trade structure.

In a speech delivered in Jaipur, Vance remarked that the shift in global trade dynamics, spurred by President Trump’s tariff actions, would yield “great benefits for the people of India.” His comments came even as President Trump continues to criticize India’s tariffs on various goods, including automobiles and agricultural products, Reuters noted.

Vance’s remarks were part of his broader effort to strengthen ties with India, which he praised for its “vibrancy.”

“The United States wants to sell more energy and defense equipment to India,” Vance said. He noted that it would be “natural” for India to increase its purchases of American defense hardware, including advanced systems like the F-35 fighter jet.

Energy exports were also a focus of Vance’s comments. He highlighted the U.S.’s intention to help India develop its domestic energy resources, including offshore natural gas and critical minerals. Nuclear energy, he added, remains a key area of collaboration between the two countries.

“If India and the United States work together successfully,” Vance told a crowd of students, traders, and government officials, “we’re going to see a 21st century that is prosperous and peaceful.” He warned, however, that failure to cooperate could lead to a “very dark time for all of humanity.”

As India seeks to secure an early trade deal with the U.S., Vance said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s had strong bargaining skills. “Prime Minister Modi is a tough negotiator. He drives a hard bargain,” Vance said.

Then he recalled a meeting in France in February, Vance shared a personal story about Modi visiting his family on the birthday of his second son, emphasizing the bond between the two leaders.

“I think he’s a special person,” Vance said of Modi, noting how past Washington approaches to the Indian Prime Minister had sometimes been marked by “prejudice or even condescension.” He continued, “Prime Minister Modi has approval ratings that would make me jealous.”

The ongoing trade talks between the U.S. and India have made “good progress,” Vance confirmed, adding that both sides have finalized the terms of reference for future negotiations. With the clock ticking on a 90-day pause on Trump-era tariffs, the U.S. is eager to finalize an agreement that would strengthen its position as India’s largest trading partner.