JD Vance Unveils US-India Trade Deal Roadmap, Warns of 'Dark Time' Without Partnership

JD Vance, the Vice President, is putting his weight behind a clear path toward a U.S.-India trade agreement, emphasizing that teaming up with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is crucial for a "prosperous and peaceful" future in the 21st century. His message, delivered in Jaipur, India, was direct: the world faces "dire" consequences and potentially a "dark time" if the U.S. and India fail to cement their partnership.

Vance pushed back at critics who accuse President Trump of launching a trade war, insisting the administration is focused on rebalancing global trade, not just chasing nostalgia for lost manufacturing jobs. The endgame? Ensuring that America, with allies like India, is building a future that works for everyone.

Earlier this year, President Trump and Modi set an ambitious target to double U.S.-India trade to $500 billion by 2030. Vance highlighted that both governments are making tangible progress, with a formal roadmap for trade negotiations now in place. He described this as a vital move, setting the stage for a comprehensive trade deal that could reshape economic ties between the two countries.

The trip was also personal for Vance, marking his first visit to his wife Usha’s ancestral homeland. The vice president, his wife, and their three kids even dined with Modi, a sign of warming diplomatic – and maybe even family – ties. Vance noted that his children have only bonded with two world leaders: Trump and Modi. Apparently, if you get a thumbs-up from the Vance kids, you’re in solid company.

Vance didn't shy away from some subtle shade at China, noting that the race to ramp up manufacturing is global and that both the U.S. and India face stiff competition, not just in consumer goods, but also in defense, energy, and cutting-edge tech. In his words, falling behind would spell trouble not just for the Indo-Pacific, but for the whole world.

He also called out previous U.S. administrations for treating India as a source of cheap labor while preaching from on high. Now, Vance says, the Trump team is prioritizing mutual economic independence, with a big focus on affordable, reliable energy. America, he noted, is ready to help India tap its own resources and expand its energy options, from natural gas to nuclear power—because, as he put it, there’s no AI revolution without energy security.

Finally, Vance made it clear that the U.S. wants more access to Indian markets, and sees the partnership as a win-win for both sides. If all goes according to plan, he believes the U.S.-India relationship will be a model for economic prosperity and stability for decades to come.