US Vice President J.D. Vance, during his official visit to India, commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarkable popularity and strong leadership. Speaking in Jaipur on Tuesday, Vance noted that PM Modi’s approval ratings are a source of admiration for many global politicians.
“I told Prime Minister Modi last night that his approval ratings are something most of us would envy,” Vance remarked during his address, highlighting the Indian leader’s widespread public support.
He went on to applaud PM Modi’s assertive approach in international negotiations, describing him as a determined and skilled negotiator who tenaciously represents India’s economic and commercial interests. “I’ve seen firsthand just how strongly he stands up for Indian industry,” Vance said. “The United States and India will continue to advance together through mutual cooperation across numerous sectors.”
Emphasizing Washington’s strategic outlook, the US Vice President reaffirmed his country’s dedication to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. He highlighted that the strength of US-India ties will significantly shape the global landscape in the coming century. “President Trump aims to rebalance global trade, and India is a key partner in building a better and fairer future,” he said.
Vance also acknowledged a shift in the tone of US diplomacy towards India, contrasting the present administration’s approach with that of the past. “Too often, earlier administrations in Washington approached Prime Minister Modi with a tone of preachiness and even condescension,” he noted. “In the past, India was often viewed merely as a source of cheap labour, while at the same time, its highly popular democratic leadership was unfairly criticized.”
On the issue of trade, Vance emphasized the need for fairness and reciprocity. He praised Modi for defending India’s industries and questioned why previous American leaders failed to show the same level of commitment to their own workers. “President Trump and I don’t criticize Prime Minister Modi for being a tough negotiator — we respect him for it. We wonder why earlier US leaders didn’t stand up for American jobs in the same way,” Vance stated. He also expressed optimism over the progress being made in the ongoing bilateral trade talks, noting, “We’re making steady progress on finalizing the terms of reference for a new trade agreement.”
The US Vice President also spoke on the growing defence cooperation between the two countries. He described the defence relationship as increasingly robust, noting the potential for co-development of advanced military technologies. Vance welcomed India’s recent amendments to its nuclear liability laws, describing them as a positive development toward deeper nuclear collaboration between the two nations.
Adding a personal touch to his visit, Vance humorously acknowledged his wife’s popularity in India, saying, “She’s a bigger celebrity than I am here.”
Reflecting on his impressions of India, Vance shared that this was his first trip to the country — the land of his wife’s heritage. He was deeply impressed by India’s cultural richness and historical legacy, as well as its ambitious drive toward the future. “In many places I’ve visited, there’s a sameness — a tendency to copy the rest of the world. But not in India,” he said. “There’s an energy here, a vibrant atmosphere full of endless possibilities. You can feel it in the rising new homes and buildings, and in the deep pride Indians take in their identity.”
Vance expressed admiration for India’s ability to blend ancient traditions with modern aspirations. “The architecture, the history — they are stunning. But equally impressive is India’s forward-thinking vision. It’s this blend of tradition and ambition that gives India its unique vitality,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha and their children — sons Vivek and Ivan, and daughter Mirabel — visited Jaipur’s iconic Amer Fort. The family arrived at the fort in a jeep and were greeted at Jaleb Chowk by two elephants named Chanda and Pushpa. They were also treated to traditional Rajasthani folk performances including Kachhi Ghodi, Ghoomar, and Kalbelia dances, which added a festive and cultural flair to the occasion.
Later in the day, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari met with the Vance family, underscoring the importance of the visit and the hospitality extended by the state of Rajasthan.
Vice President Vance is on a four-day official visit to India. He arrived in New Delhi on Monday, where he visited the Akshardham temple and held a meeting with Prime Minister Modi in the evening before continuing his trip to Jaipur.
