US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday called on India to drop non-tariff barriers, give greater access to its markets and buy more American energy products and military hardware as he outlined a roadmap of deeper ties between the two nations for a prosperous and peaceful 21st century.
Vance, who is visiting India with his wife Usha Chilukuri and their three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—arrived in Delhi on Monday. His trip comes at a time when global trade tensions are rising.
During his speech, Vance praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “special person,” and stressed the importance of both nations working together. “I truly believe that the future of the 21st century depends on the strength of the US-India partnership,” he said. “If we succeed together, the world will be safer and more prosperous. But if we fail, it could be a dark time for everyone.”
Vance held talks with PM Modi where they welcomed progress toward a mutually beneficial trade agreement. He encouraged India to allow more access for American products and services, especially in the defence and energy sectors.
“We want to help India develop its own natural resources, including offshore gas and critical minerals,” Vance said. “Co-producing energy will also help us compete against unfair foreign players.”
He also suggested that India reduce non-tariff trade barriers, which make it hard for American companies to enter the Indian market. “We believe India will benefit from more trade with the US. This partnership is good for both sides,” he added.
Vance mentioned that he and President Donald Trump are committed to strengthening ties with India. “Americans want to do more business here. India is a great place to invest, and we want to give more opportunities to both our people,” he said.
He warned that if India and the US don’t keep up their cooperation, the world could face serious problems. “India and the US can offer so much to each other, and the world will benefit from our partnership.”
Vance also spoke about India's role in global diplomacy, especially through groups like the Quad, which includes the US, India, Japan, and Australia. He said a stronger India would bring more peace and economic growth across the Indo-Pacific region.
He welcomed India’s recent move to change its civil nuclear liability laws, which had earlier prevented American companies from building nuclear reactors in India. “We believe American energy, especially nuclear power, can help India meet its energy goals,” Vance said. He also linked energy security to India’s future in artificial intelligence, saying, “There is no future in AI without energy security.”
Vance called for deeper defence cooperation between the two nations. He encouraged India to buy more US military equipment, highlighting American fighter jets like the F-35. “These jets could give the Indian Air Force unmatched ability to defend its skies,” he said.
He also recalled a meeting between Modi and Trump earlier this year in Washington, saying it helped lay the groundwork for future defence ties. “From Javelins to Stryker combat vehicles, our countries will co-produce important equipment—not to start wars, but to prevent them through strength.”
Vance said it was fitting that India would host the Quad summit later this year. “Both our countries share the goal of keeping the Indo-Pacific region free and peaceful,” he said. After their visit to Delhi, Vance and his family spent Tuesday night in Jaipur. They are expected to visit Agra on Wednesday.
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