During his four-day trip to India U.S. Vice-President JD Vance advocated for expanded U.S.-India cooperation to build a peaceful and prosperous 21st century. Vance stressed the importance of intensified sectoral collaborations because without them humanity would enter a “dark time”.
He made these comments after successful trade meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which both countries made positive developments regarding their bilateral trade agreement. The deal must be finalized by India before July 9 because President Donald Trump will impose 27% tariffs on all Indian exports. The two countries achieved consensus on negotiation terms for a deal which Vance declared as “essential” for a Trump and Modi-approved agreement. The audience reacted positively when Vance complimented Modi for his “tough negotiating skills” and his ability to “drive a hard bargain.”
The strong personal connection between Modi and Trump has not prevented ongoing trade conflicts. Trump has attacked India because of its high tariffs which he describes as those of a “tariff king” and “big abuser” of trade relations. The United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer pointed to a “severe imbalance” between trade cooperation levels between the two countries. The Indian government has lowered various product tariffs but agriculture protection continues to be an obstacle in its attempts to satisfy Trump.
During the meeting Vance emphasized that the United States seeks increased energy and defense product sales to India while discussions progressed about joint defense and strategic technology and energy cooperation. The Indian Prime Minister expressed hope that India would welcome Trump for a visit this year during the Quad summit.
The visit included Modi hosting Vance and his family including his wife Usha and their three children for delegation-level meetings followed by dinner. The family developed their interest in connecting their children with Indian heritage after their grandparents from Andhra Pradesh joined them. The Indian media widely reported the photos of the children who wore kurta-pyjamas and lehenga.
Vance’s trip includes personal components in addition to his official meetings. The family will see the Amer Fort in Jaipur before viewing the Taj Mahal in Agra before their flight back to the United States on Thursday.
