Vice President JD Vance warned of a dark future for the world if large countries like India and the United States were unable to work together.
The Vice President delivered his remarks as he and his family met with Indian Prime Minster Narendra Modi in India.
It came just days after Vance, on a whirlwind foreign trip, had met with Pope Francis in Rome. The pontiff died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
In India, Vance focused squarely on the relationship between that country and the United States.
If India and the United States collaborate effectively, we can look forward to a bright and prosperous 21st century, remarked the speaker. Conversely, if this collaboration fails, the future may hold dark times for humanity.
Vance’s wife Usha is Indian-America as her parents are both from India, creating unique cultural ties between the two nations.
The Vances were welcomed to India with a red carpet arrival ceremony and toured Akshardham Temple and participated in other cultural events.
The speaker mentioned being captivated by India’s ancient architectural beauty, the depth of its history and traditions, and its strong emphasis on futuristic perspectives.
The primary agenda of the meeting revolved around trade-related matters, with discussions focusing on resetting the trade dynamics between the two nations.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivers a speech at the Rajasthan International Center, in Jaipur, India,
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his sons, Vivek, and Ewan watch a cultural performance at Amber Fort, a historical site in, Jaipur, India,
‘I believe there is much that America and India can accomplish together,’ he said in an optimistic speech marking progress on trade negotiations in the Indian city of Jaipur.
Vance spoke about the ‘vitality and infinite possibility’ he experienced in India and shared his interest in both countries making progress on the issue of trade.
Vance said he was not going to talk about himself and his upbringing until he was urged to do so by Prime Minister Modi the previous evening.
He recalled growing up in Ohio, which he described as ‘the greatest state in the union’ which was once a ‘manufacturing power’ that drew his ‘hillbilly’ ancestors to the area to pursue the American dream.
‘As America settled into world historic prosperity it generated our leaders began to take that very prosperity and what created it for granted,’ he said.
‘In my hometown, factories left, jobs evaporated, America’s Middletown’s ceased to the the lifeblood of America’s economy,’ he said.
Vance said that critics of President Trump accused him ‘starting a trade war’ by announcing tariffs on foreign countries.
US Vice President JD Vance (2R) and his wife Usha Vance (2L), along with their children Ewan (C), Vivek (R) and Mirabel, pose for a photo in front of the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) hosting US Vice President JD Vance (2L), wife Usha Vance (L back) and their children Mirabel (C), Ewan (2R) and Vivek at his residence in New Delhi.
‘Nothing could be further from the truth,’ Vance said. ‘He seeks to rebalance global trade so that America, with friends like India, can build a future worth having for all of our people together.’
‘This is very much a win-win partnership and certainly will be far into the future,’ he said.
Vance said the United States and India would continue to work together, creating stronger energy and defense ties.
He also praised the Prime Minister for being a ‘tough negotiator’ but said it was why he was respected by President Trump.
‘As I told Prime Minister Modi last night, he’s got approval ratings that would make me jealous,’ he said.
Vance also expressed optimism about the future between the two countries.
‘I believe President Trump’s efforts joined of course by the whole country of India and Prime Minister Modi will make the 21st Century the best century in human history, let’s do it together,’
