During a recent visit to India, Vice President JD Vance announced that the United States intends to increase the sale of energy and defense equipment to India, highlighting that the evolving relationship between the two nations will define this century.
In his address in Jaipur, a city in northwestern India, Vance expressed optimism about the collaboration between India and the United States, stating, “If we unite our efforts, the 21st century can be marked by prosperity and peace.” However, he warned that failure to collaborate effectively could result in significant challenges for humanity.
Vance also commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a dinner they shared on Monday. The Vice President is visiting India for four days, bringing along his wife, the daughter of Indian immigrants, and their three children.
This visit coincides with India’s attempt to secure an early trade agreement with the U.S., its largest trading partner, before the expiration of a 90-day pause on significant tariffs put in place by the previous administration.
Vance humorously noted Modi’s strong negotiating skills, bringing laughter from the audience as he referred to the Prime Minister as a “tough negotiator.”
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman indicated in San Francisco that India aims to “positively conclude” the initial phase of the trade agreement by autumn.
Vance remarked that he and Modi had made substantial progress on trade discussions and confirmed that the terms of reference for the negotiations had been finalized. “This lays out a pathway towards a definitive agreement between our nations,” he stated.