Amazed by India’s laser-like focus on future, richness of its history and tradition: VP Vance

Jaipur: Lauding the “deep connection” between the United States and India, US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday, April 22, said he is amazed by the richness of India’s history and tradition and the country’s “laser-like focus on the future”.

Speaking at an event in Jaipur on the second day of his visit to India, the US Vice President spoke of the growth in bilateral ties across a range of sectors, including energy, and said, “American energy can help realize India’s nuclear power production goals.”

He said like President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspires “remarkable loyalty because of the strength of his belief in his people and in his country”.

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“In the United States, we’re proud of the deep connection between our nations, between India and the United States. Prime Minister Modi, as most of you probably know, was one of the first visitors welcomed into the Oval Office during President trump’s second term…we’re so grateful for Prime Minister Modi’s hospitality as well as the reception that he and everyone else in this country have given us on this first trip for me to India,” he said.

Vance also shared his personal connection with India. “This is my first time visiting the birthplace of my wife’s parents,” he said.

“Prime Minister Modi welcomed me. Usha and our three small children at his beautiful home. I’ve 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… I think this appreciation for history and tradition and this focus on the future is very much something that, I think, animates this country in 2025,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the Vance family visited Amber Fort in Jaipur and received a warm welcome.

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Visiting the northwestern Indian city of Jaipur, Vance hailed what he called India’s vitality over the “sameness and flatness” of some Western nations. His remarks followed criticism by U.S. President Donald Trump of steep Indian tariffs on cars, farm goods and other products.

The rebalancing of global trade because of Trump’s tariff actions is “going to produce great benefits for the people of India,” Vance said.

India is trying to position itself as a manufacturing base of choice for the world as China faces high U.S. duties.

“If India and the United States work together successfully, we’re going to see a 21st century that is prosperous and peaceful,” Vance told an audience of a few hundred students, traders, government officials and politicians 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 said it would be natural for India to buy more defense equipment from the United States, including Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jets, as the two countries do regular military exercises.