Vice President JD Vance affirmed the strength of the U.S.-India relationship during his address at the Ananta Centre’s India-U.S. Forum on April 22, 2025, in Jaipur, India, emphasizing the Trump-Vance administration’s commitment to deepening ties with what he described as a vital democratic-ally.

“In India, America has a friend,” Vance said, noting that the administration seeks to build upon the warm bonds already shared by both nations.

Speaking to an audience of business leaders, policymakers, and students, VP Vance underscored the administration’s approach to global trade. “Our administration seeks trade partners on the basis of fairness and of shared national interests…” he said. “Now, I want to be clear: America’s partners need not look exactly like America, nor must our governments do everything exactly the same way, but we should have some common goals. And I believe, here in India, we do in both economics and in national security.”

Drawing parallels between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vance noted that both leaders command extraordinary public loyalty due to their strong belief in their nations and people. He also expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by PM Modi during his first visit to India.

“Prime Minister Modi welcomed me, Usha, and our three small children at his beautiful home,” Vance shared.

He also highlighted the personal significance of the trip. “This is my first time visiting the birthplace of my wife’s parents, and she’s, of course, in the front row there. There you are, Usha. She’s a bit of a celebrity, it turns out, in India. I think more so than her husband,” he quipped.

Vance also praised India’s blend of historical richness and forward-looking ambition. “I have been amazed by the ancient beauty of the architecture of India, by the richness of India’s history and traditions, but also by India’s laser-like focus on the future,” he said.

“And when I look at this audience or when I visit this incredible country over these last couple of days, I see a people that will not be held back,” he added “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.” 

He was quick to distance himself from past U.S. diplomatic attitudes toward India. “Too often, in the past, Washington approached Prime Minister Modi with an attitude of preachiness or even one of condescension,” Vance said.

“Prior administrations saw India as a source of low-cost labor on the one hand, even as they criticized the prime minister’s government — arguably the most popular in the democratic world.  And as I told Prime Minister Modi last night, he’s got approval ratings that would make me jealous,” he emphasized. 

According to Vance, the Trump-Vance administration has taken a different approach, one that learns from past missteps and focuses on economic revitalization. He stressed President Trump’s commitment to American workers and manufacturing.

“As we saw earlier this month, he will go to extraordinary lengths to protect and expand those opportunities for all Americans,” he said.

Addressing criticisms of Trump’s trade policies, Vance said, “Critics have attacked President Trump for starting a trade war in an effort to bring back the jobs of the past, but nothing could be further from the truth.” Instead, he argued, the President seeks to rebalance global trade in a way that benefits both nations.

He pointed to the ambitious trade goal set by both leaders. “And when President Trump and Prime Minister Modi announced in February that our countries aim to more than double our bilateral trade to $500 billion by the end of the decade, I know that both of them meant it, and I’m encouraged by everything our nations are doing to get us there.”

Vance also lauded India’s leadership in the region and globally, particularly through its upcoming hosting of the Quad Leaders’ Summit. He emphasized the alignment of both nations in maintaining peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

“There’s a lot to be gained by working together, and this is why President Trump and I both welcome India’s leadership in a number of diplomatic organizations, but, of course, in the Quad,” he said. “We believe a stronger India means greater economic prosperity but also greater stability across the Indo-Pacific, which is, of course, a shared goal for all of us in this room and is a shared goal for both of our countries.”

He acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s firm negotiating style. “It’s one of the reasons why we respect him,” Vance said. “We don’t blame Prime Minister Modi for fighting for India’s industry, but we do blame American leaders of the past for failing to do the same for our workers, and we believe that we can fix that to the mutual benefit of both the United States and India.”

He commended PM Modi as a leader with a long-term vision for India’s security and prosperity. “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. 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 said.

The Vice President also reiterated the mutual benefits of expanded trade between the two countries. “Americans want further access to Indian markets. And Indians will thrive from greater commerce from the United States. This is very much a win-win partnership and certainly will be far into the future.”

Related posts:

US-India Experts and Community Leaders Welcome PM Modi’s U.S. Visit, Highlight Key Strategic Issues Prime Minister Modi Highlights Strengthened India-US Ties in White House Address Indian Americans Celebrate President Donald Trump’s Historic Return to the White House US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance to Visit India Amid Trade Tensions