Synopsis
During his address in Jaipur, US Vice President JD Vance emphasized the importance of strengthening India-US defence relations through collaboration in security, technological innovation, and energy production. He highlighted the existing defence ties and proposed further cooperation to enhance mutual growth and economic ties.Key Takeaways
- Strengthening defence ties between India and the US.
- Emphasis on energy cooperation for mutual benefits.
- Encouragement for military equipment purchases from the US.
- Technological collaboration beyond defence and energy.
- Focus on trade relations to enhance economic growth.
Jaipur, April 22 (NationPress) The US Vice President JD Vance highlighted three fundamental pillars of collaboration between India and the US—protecting nations, constructing significant projects, and advancing innovative technologies—during his speech in Jaipur on Monday.
“I want to discuss several areas of collaboration today, focusing on how India and the US can join forces,” he stated.
“First, and perhaps most crucially, to protect our nations. Second, to construct significant projects. And finally, to advance innovative technologies that both of our countries will require in the future,” he continued. Addressing defence relationships, Vance underscored the robustness of the current partnership.
The US Vice President added, “In terms of defence, our nations already share one of the closest relationships globally. The US conducts more military exercises with India than with any other nation.” He went on to say, “The US-India COMPACT, introduced by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in February, will establish the groundwork for even deeper collaboration. From javelins to striker combat vehicles, our nations will co-manufacture numerous munitions and equipment essential for deterring foreign aggressors—not out of a desire for conflict, but out of a quest for peace, believing that the best route to peace is through mutual strength.”
Vance further elaborated, “The establishment of the Joint Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance will allow America and India to create the most advanced maritime systems necessary for success. It’s appropriate that India is set to host the Quad Leaders Summit this autumn. Our mutual interests in a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific are fully aligned. We both recognize the necessity of keeping the region secure from any hostile entities seeking dominance. The strengthening of relations between our countries over the past decade has contributed to America designating India as a major defence partner, the first of its kind. This status means that India now shares a defence and technology partnership with the US that is on par with America’s closest allies. Yet, we believe India stands to gain even more from its ongoing defence partnership with the US.”
“We naturally wish to collaborate further. We aim to increase our joint efforts, and we encourage your nation to purchase more of our military equipment, which we consider to be the best available. American fifth-generation F-35 jets, for instance, would empower the Indian Air Force to defend your airspace and safeguard your citizens like never before,” V-P Vance stated.
Emphasizing the importance of energy cooperation, Vance remarked that, similar to the US, India seeks to build, necessitating increased energy production and consumption. “It’s about boosting energy production and consumption, and it’s one of the many reasons I believe our nations have much to gain from reinforcing our energy ties.” He criticized previous US administrations for restricting energy investments.
“I believe past US administrations, driven by a fear of the future, have limited our potential and restricted American investments in oil and natural gas production. This administration recognizes that affordable, reliable energy is a crucial component of manufacturing and is vital for economic independence for both our nations. America is endowed with abundant natural resources and the unique ability to generate energy, and we desire to sell it to allies like India. We are convinced your nation will benefit from American energy exports and the expansion of these exports. You will be able to build, produce, and grow more, but at significantly lower energy costs,” the US Vice President continued.
He added, “We also aspire to assist India in exploring its considerable natural resources, including offshore natural gas reserves and critical mineral supplies. We possess the capability and the willingness to assist.” Vance also suggested methods to lower trade barriers.
“Furthermore, we believe that energy co-production will help us outpace unfair competitors in other international markets. However, we think India can significantly enhance energy relations between our nations, and one suggestion I have is to consider reducing some non-tariff barriers for American access to the Indian market. I’ve discussed this with Prime Minister Modi, and both President Trump and I acknowledge that he is an adept negotiator. He stands firm for India’s industry, which is something we respect. We don’t hold Prime Minister Modi accountable for advocating for India’s interests, but we do hold past American leaders responsible for not doing the same for our workers. We believe we can rectify this to the mutual advantage of both the US and India,” V-P Vance stated.
Addressing the intersection of energy and technology, the US V-P said, “We believe American energy can help achieve India’s nuclear power generation objectives—this is critically important—as well as support its AI aspirations. Because as the US understands well, and I know India understands well, there can be no AI future without energy security and energy dominance.” Shifting focus to broader technological collaboration, he added, “I anticipate that the technological partnership between our countries will extend far beyond defence and energy. In the coming years, we will witness the development of data centres, pharmaceuticals, undersea cables, and countless other essential goods as a result of the economic partnership between America and India. I’ll reiterate. I believe our nations have so much to gain by investing in each other, with America investing in India, and of course, India investing in the US.”
Concluding with an emphasis on trade and shared economic growth, Vance said, “I know that Americans are enthusiastic about this prospect, and President Trump and I are eager for stronger ties. Americans are keen for greater access to Indian markets. This is an excellent environment for business, and we want to provide our people with enhanced access to your country. And we firmly believe that Indians will thrive from increased commerce in the US. This is decidedly a win-win partnership, and it will certainly extend well into the future.”
