‘PM Modi a tough negotiator’, ‘my children like him’: 8 things JD Vance said in Jaipur

Despite the bonhomie and cordial interactions during US Vice President JD Vance’s four-day visit to India, the shadow of US President Donald Trump’s contentious “reciprocal tariffs” loomed large on Tuesday ( April 22).

Speaking at an event in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Vance said trade relations must be based on fairness, alluding to President Trump’s idea of reciprocal tariffs, as a result of which the US slapped 26 per cent tariffs on India on April 2, currently paused for 90 days.

Also Read: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur: Here’s the Vances’ full itinerary on India trip

Vance also spoke on US-India ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approval rating, ancient Indian architecture and on a rather personal note how his children like PM Modi. Here are the highlights of what US Vice President said on Tuesday:

Fairness-driven trade relations

Speaking at the event in Jaipur, Vance said trade relations must be based on fairness, indirectly referring to President Trump’s contentious idea of "reciprocal tariffs".

Both India and the US are working towards a bilateral trade agreement based on shared priorities, he said, adding that the future of the 21st century will be determined by the strength of India and the US.

He also said President Trump seeks to rebalance global trade so that the US, "with friends like India", can build a better future. "In defence, our countries enjoy a close relationship and we can build many military platforms together," he said, as quoted by PTI.

Also Read: JD Vance, Usha on 4-day India visit from Apr 21; trade deal likely on agenda

Officially finalised terms of reference for trade deal

Vance also said India and the US have officially finalised the terms of reference of the India-US trade deal.

"America and India have officially finalised the terms of reference for the trade negotiation. I believe this is a vital step toward realising President Trump's and Prime Minister Modi's vision, because it sets a road map toward a final deal between our nations.

"We believe that American energy can help realize India's nuclear power production goals, and this is very important, as well as its AI ambitions, because, as the United States knows well, and I know that India knows well, there is no AI future without energy security and energy dominance," he added as quoted by The Times of India.

'PM Modi a tough negotiator'

Vance lauded the PM as a “tough negotiator”, a quality which he said is much respected by the US. “Modi is a tough negotiator, and that’s why we respect him. He stands strong for India's interests — and we appreciate that,” said Vance, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

'Not here to preach'

Taking an indirect dig at the erstwhile Joe Biden administration, whom President Trump regularly dubs as “sleepy Joe Biden”, Vance said that earlier ruling dispensations in the US approached Modi with the mindset of preaching but the Trump administration has no such intention.

Praise for ancient Indian architecture

Vance said he was in awe of the ancient beauty of India's architecture, and was impressed by India’s rich history and traditions.

"I was fortunate to visit Akshardham Temple with my family, be welcomed by PM Modi at his residence, I have been amazed by the ancient beauty of the architecture of India, by the richness of history and tradition, but also by India's focus on future. I've been to other countries; sometimes I feel flatness to see desire to be like everyone else in the world, it's different in India. There is a sense of infinite possibilities, of new homes to be built, new skylines to be raised, and lives to be enriched, and there is a pride in being Indian,” said Vance.

'Trump wants US, India to grow together'

Vance said President Trump strongly rejects the idea that countries like India are not allowed to grow, adding that Trump wants “America to grow, he wants India to grow, and he wants to build a future with partners all over the world.”

'Jealous of PM’s approval ratings'

Vance said he was awestruck and jealous of PM Modi’s high approval ratings.

‘My children like PM Modi’

Vance also said the fact that his children "like PM Modi" can be a great foundation for the future of a relationship. “Our kids just like him. And I think that, because kids are such good, strong of characters, I just like Prime Minister Modi, too. And I think it's a great foundation for the future of a relationship,” said Vance.