US seeks stronger trade ties with India, says Vice President JD Vance

US Vice President JD Vance has made a vigorous case for strengthening trade ties between Washington and New Delhi, signalling that the United States is eager to deepen economic, defence, and technological partnerships with India.Speaking at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, Vance, who is on his first official visit to the country as the US vice president, called India a “land of infinite possibility” and highlighted the need for a “win-win partnership” built on mutual investment and shared global goals.
“Americans want further access to Indian markets. This is a great place to do business,” Vance said, while also urging India to consider lowering non-tariff barriers for US firms. He pointed to sectors such as energy, defence, AI, and pharmaceuticals as key areas for collaboration.
The Vice President repeatedly underlined the role of American energy exports in supporting India’s growth. He proposed expanding sales of oil, natural gas, and even ethanol to India, calling it a move that would reduce costs and accelerate India’s energy ambitions.Also read: India-US finalise terms of reference for negotiations after PM Modi and JD Vance meet

“We believe your nation will benefit from American energy exports… you’ll be able to build more, make more and grow more, but at much lower energy costs,” Vance said. He also pushed for cooperation on nuclear energy, urging policy changes that would allow US companies to export small modular reactors to India.As India aims to become a major player in artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology, the US sees a natural alignment. Vance mentioned the US-India Trust Initiative as a cornerstone for future investments in data centres, undersea cables, and pharmaceuticals.

“There is no AI future without energy security and energy dominance,” he remarked, linking India’s tech ambitions with the energy partnership he advocated.

Vance’s speech also reflected growing US confidence in India’s leadership role in the Indo-Pacific. With India set to host the Quad Leaders Summit later this year, he called New Delhi’s participation in the Quad a “shared goal for stability” in the region.

“Neither Americans nor Indians are alone in looking to scale up their manufacturing capacity,” Vance noted, casting the India-US collaboration as vital in a competitive global landscape increasingly shaped by authoritarian influences.

“America wants to grow. India wants to grow,” he said. “And we want to build the future with our partners all over the globe—especially with India.”

Also read: JD Vance and family get royal welcome at Jaipur’s Amber Fort with elephants, folk dances