(HT)
The United States is looking to sell more energy and defence equipment to India, Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday on a visit to the country, adding that ties between the two countries will shape the century.
“If India and the United States work together successfully, we’re going to see a 21st century that is prosperous and peaceful,” he said in a speech in the northwestern Indian city of 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 also repeatedly praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their dinner on Monday. Vance is on a mostly personal, four-day visit to India along with his wife, who is the daughter of Indian immigrants, and their three children.
The trip comes at a time when India is rushing to clinch an early trade deal with the U.S. – its largest trading partner – before the end of the 90-day pause on the steep tariffs announced by President Donald Trump’s administration.
“Prime Minister Modi is a tough negotiator. He drives a hard bargain,” Vance said to a big laughter from the audience.
India hopes to “positively conclude” the first part of a trade pact by autumn, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in San Francisco on Monday.
