Vance Calls for Stronger Defense, Trade Relations With India During Visit

The vice president said he believes there is much more the two nations could accomplish together.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Rajasthan International Center in Jaipur, India, on April 22, 2025. Manish Swarup/ AP Photo

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Vice President JD Vance called for stronger relations between the United States and India in the areas of defense and energy on Tuesday, as the two nations work to advance trade negotiations.

Vance, on a four-day trip to India with his family, said he had met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that both sides finalized the terms of reference for their trade negotiations.

The talks build on a goal set by Modi and President Donald Trump to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 following a February meeting at the White House.

Hailing the progress on trade talks as a vital step towards achieving that goal, Vance said he believes there is much more the two nations could accomplish together.

“I believe that if India and the United States work together successfully, we are going to see a 21st century that is prosperous and peaceful,” he said in a speech during an event in Jaipur.

“But I also believe that if we fail to work together successfully, the 21st century could be a very dark time for all of humanity,” he added.