 "‘That’s why we respect PM Modi…’: Vance says India ‘coaxing’ US to buy ethanol, defence equipment under BTA")
US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday said that the Donald Trump administration respects Prime Minister Narendra Modi because he is a “tough negotiator”.
In a speech in Rajasthan’s Jaipur, Vance spoke about the India-US relationship, the trade deal being negotiated, and how the Trump administration looks at Modi.
Vance praised Modi as a “tough negotiator” and said it is the prime reason why the Trump administration respects him. He said the United States wants a “balanced and open” trade and “complete fairness” with its partners.
“We want a system of trade that is balanced and open. We should have some common goals in trade and global security. Our administration seeks trade with our partners with complete fairness. PM Modi is a tough negotiator and that is why we respect him,” said Vance.
Vance is on a four-day visit to India. On the first day of the visit, he held talks with Modi in Delhi. Discussions around the India-US trade deal under negotiations are understood to have taken primacy in the talks. He arrived in Jaipur earlier in the day. In Jaipur, he delivered a speech after a day of sight-seeing.
Vance on India-US trade deal
Vance said that he and Modi made “very good progress" and this is the “roadmap to a final deal”.
“India-US trade agreement is based on shared priorities. Both the governments are hard at work on a trade agreement. Yesterday, me and Modi made very good progress. We have finalised the ‘terms of reference’. This is the roadmap to a final deal,” said Vance.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWhile he hailed the convergence of the two countries, Vance also flagged the issues that the Trump administration has with India.
Vance said, “India should consider dropping non-tariff barriers for market access for American companies…American ethanol can play a tremendous role in enhancing the energy partnership. There’s much that we can create and do together.”
Vance further said that India is “coaxing” the Trump administration to to buy more ethanol and defence equipment from India.
Vance further said that India and the United States can collaborate in the domain of nuclear energy.
“American energy can help India realise nuclear energy generation goals. Tech collaboration between India and the US will be much beyond defence and energy. Americans are excited about the prospect of stronger ties with India and want more access to India, and Indians will gain from access to the US markets. This will be a win-win partnership,” said Vance.
‘One of the closest’: Vance on India-US defence relationship
Vance said that the India-US defence relationship is one of the closest in the world.
Vance further said that the meeting between Vance and Modi in February laid “the foundation for even closer collaboration between our countries”.
“From javelins to Stryker combat vehicles, our nations will co-produce many of the munitions and equipment that will need to deter foreign aggressors. Not because we seek war, but because we seek peace and we believe the best path to peace through mutual strength,” said Vance.
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