US Vice-President JD Vance has stressed the importance of strong cooperation between India and the United States to ensure a “prosperous and peaceful” 21st century, according to a BBC report. Speaking in Jaipur during his four-day trip to India, Vance warned that failure to collaborate effectively could cast a shadow over the future of humanity.

"But I also believe that if we fail to work together successfully, the 21st Century could be a very dark time for all of humanity," BBC quoted Vance as saying.

His comments came a day after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which both sides reported progress in negotiations over a bilateral trade pact, something Delhi is keen to finalise to avoid a new wave of US tariffs.

India is one of several countries racing to complete trade agreements with the United States ahead of a 90-day suspension on tariff hikes imposed by President Donald Trump, which ends on July 9. Before the pause, Indian exports were facing tariffs as high as 27%.

In his Jaipur address, Vance confirmed that both sides had agreed on the terms of reference for formal negotiations. He described Modi as a “tough negotiator” and someone who “drives a hard bargain”, a comment that reportedly drew applause from those in attendance, according to the BBC report.

Following the Vance-Modi meeting, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer issued a statement on April 21, criticising what he described as a “serious lack of reciprocity” in India’s trade relations with the US.

India has already reduced tariffs on several goods in recent months and is believed to be considering broader concessions in an effort to mollify Washington. Nonetheless, sectors such as agriculture—where the US is pushing for greater market access but India remains protective—continue to be key areas of disagreement, BBC said.

Vance also said that the US is looking to boost exports of energy and defence equipment to India. On April 21, alongside trade, talks between the two parties also touched upon strategic technologies, defence cooperation and energy ties.

The remainder of the vice-president’s visit is largely personal. On April 22, the family toured Jaipur’s historic Amer Fort, and they are scheduled to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra on April 23 before returning to the US the following day.