U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has stated that the United States plans to expand trade with India in the energy and defense equipment sectors. During a speech in Jaipur, India on Tuesday, he emphasized that the partnership between the two nations will shape the course of this century, according to British news agency Reuters.
Vance said that if India and the United States can work together successfully, the 21st century will be prosperous and peaceful. However, if the cooperation fails, the century could become extremely dark for all of humanity.
Praising Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vance described him as a tough negotiator who takes strong positions. His remark drew laughter from the audience. Vance had joined Modi for a dinner on Monday night.
Vance is on a four-day personal visit to India with his Indian-origin wife and their three children. The visit comes at a time when India and the United States are pushing to finalize a preliminary trade agreement before the end of a 90-day tariff suspension period.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated in San Francisco on Monday that India hopes to complete the first part of the agreement by summer.
Vance mentioned that trade discussions with Modi went well and that they have finalized a framework for negotiations. He added that this framework will pave the way for a final agreement between the two countries.