New Delhi, Apr 22 (EFE).— US Vice President JD Vance praised India on Tuesday as an ambitious and essential trade and security partner, contrasting its dynamism with what he called the West’s growing insecurity and fear of the future.
On an official trip to India, Vance argued that the prosperity of the 21st century hinges on the strength of US-India ties, saying he was amazed “by India’s focus on the future.”
“I believe there is much that the US and India can accomplish together,” Vance said at an event in Jaipur, about 200 km from the Indian capital, New Delhi.
“There is a sense of infinite possibilities… In striking contrast with too many in the West, the leadership class seems stricken by self-doubt, even fear of the future,” he added.
“To them, humanity is always one bad decision away from catastrophe. The world will soon end, they tell us, because we are burning too much fuel, or making too many things, or having too many children, so, rather than invest in the future, they retreat.”
Vance arrived in India on Monday, accompanied by his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, who is of Indian origin, and their three children. The trip is both official and personal in nature and will conclude on Thursday.
During his remarks, Vance hailed India as a partner that shares American interests in trade and global security, stating that “the future of the 21st century will depend on the strength of the partnership between the United States and India.”
He also noted a shift in Washington’s approach to New Delhi, contrasting it with past US istrations and other Western powers that. “We now see India as an equal,” he said.
Taking aim at Western decision-makers, Vance said they are making misguided choices that deepen dependence on “foreign adversaries,” such as closing nuclear power plants while discouraging India’s own growth.
“President Trump rejects these failed ideas He wants America to grow, he wants India to grow, and he wants to build a future with partners all over the world.”
As part of the growing cooperation between the two nations, both countries are currently negotiating a bilateral trade agreement, with the of reference already finalized, according to the White House.
The announcement came after a meeting between Vance and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday night.
While praising India, Vance also described Modi as a “tough negotiator,” echoing a phrase previously used by President Trump to describe the Indian leader.
Modi visited Washington in February, where he met with Trump to initiate the framework for the trade deal, which seeks to address reciprocal tariffs currently paused.
India had imposed tariffs of up to 26 percent in response to US measures. Vance’s trip marks the first visit to India by a US vice president in 12 years, following then-Vice President Joe Biden’s visit in 2013. EFE
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