In an address at the Ananta Centre’s India-U.S. Forum in Jaipur, Vice President JD Vance emphasized the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening economic and strategic partnerships with India.
Vance’s speech, delivered at the Rajasthan International Center, highlighted a vision of mutual growth and cooperation, marking a departure from what he described as past U.S. policies of “preachiness” and “condescension.”
Vance began by expressing his admiration for India’s blend of rich history and forward-looking ambition, contrasting it with what he termed “self-doubt” in some Western nations. He praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and the warm reception he and his family received, noting that his wife, Usha, whose parents were born in India, was a “celebrity” during their visit.
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A core theme of Vance’s speech was the Trump administration’s rejection of policies that he argued hindered economic growth and fostered dependence on foreign adversaries. He asserted that President Trump desires both American and Indian prosperity, advocating for a partnership built on fairness and shared interests.
“We want to build a bright new world, one that’s constantly innovating, one that’s helping people to form families, making it easier to build, invest, and trade together in pursuit of common goals,” Vance stated.
He announced the formal finalization of the terms of reference for a new trade negotiation between the United States and India, a move aimed at realizing the goal of doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by the end of the decade. This agreement, he suggested, will pave the way for a balanced, open, and stable global trade system.
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Vance outlined several key areas of collaboration, including defense, energy, and technology. He highlighted the U.S.-India COMPACT, aimed at co-producing munitions and equipment, and the Joint Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance, focusing on maritime systems. He also pushed for increased U.S. military equipment sales, mentioning the advanced F-35 fighter jets, which he said, would be a great asset to the Indian air force.
On energy, Vance stressed America’s desire to expand energy exports to India, advocating for the removal of non-tariff barriers to facilitate this. He also expressed interest in assisting India in exploring its natural resources, including offshore natural gas and critical mineral reserves. He also pushed for the use of American ethanol and for the removal of barriers to small modular nuclear reactors.
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In the realm of technology, Vance emphasized the U.S.-India TRUST initiative, envisioning billions of dollars in investments in data centers, pharmaceuticals, and undersea cables. He underscored the importance of technological collaboration, particularly in artificial intelligence, stating, “There is no AI future without energy security and energy dominance.”
Vance concluded his speech with personal anecdotes, sharing his children’s positive impressions of Prime Minister Modi, whom he described as a “serious leader” with a long-term vision for India. He stressed the pivotal role of the U.S.-India partnership in shaping the 21st century, asserting that their success would lead to a “prosperous and peaceful” future.
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