The United States Finds a Ally in India: VP Vance

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The United States Finds a Ally in India: VP Vance

Synopsis

During a recent event in Jaipur, US Vice President J.D. Vance discussed the economic struggles faced by US manufacturing towns, emphasizing the importance of fair trade relationships, particularly with India, and shared his personal narrative of growing up in a manufacturing community.

Key Takeaways

  • US manufacturing sectors have faced significant challenges.
  • Fair trade partnerships are essential for economic recovery.
  • Vance's upbringing in Middletown symbolizes many American experiences.
  • Awareness of past mistakes is rising among Americans.
  • Strengthening ties with India is crucial for mutual prosperity.

Jaipur, April 22 (NationPress) US Vice President J.D. Vance remarked on Tuesday about the economic hurdles that manufacturing sectors in the US have been confronting in recent years.

"Our manufacturing communities have been grappling with economic difficulties for the past several years, and equitable trade partnerships are essential. In India, the US has a friend," stated US Vice President J.D. Vance while addressing an event in Jaipur.

Vance mentioned that he was sharing this narrative at the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reflected on his own upbringing in a once-prosperous manufacturing town that gradually witnessed the erosion of the middle class due to job losses and factory closures.

"I hail from a long-established manufacturing town known as Middletown. While it's not as large as Jaipur, it is a respectable town where generations have engaged in production," he noted.

He added that individuals traveled from nearby areas, like West Virginia, in pursuit of manufacturing jobs, the promise of prosperity, and the American dream.

Vance also shared his family's experiences growing up in a working-class environment.

"My parents and grandparents instilled in me values while raising me in Middletown - to work diligently, study earnestly, love God and my country, and be a good person. My grandfather’s job ensured a reasonable wage along with a pension. Although money became tight as I grew up, we managed to live comfortably," he explained.

The Vice President highlighted that his generation witnessed the emergence of a robust middle class, noting that by fostering an economy centered around production, leaders created many towns like Middletown.

"Governments during that era supported the workforce, and we forged beneficial agreements with national partners to market US-made goods," he added.

However, Vance also addressed the subsequent decline.

"Eventually, other leaders neglected the principles that fostered our prosperity. They overlooked the significance of cultivating a productive industrial base. Consequently, we faced repercussions, with factories shutting down, jobs disappearing, and the economies of towns like mine deteriorating," he remarked.

"The story of Middletown is my story - millions of Americans have experienced this reality. This narrative is personal for me, but it is far from uncommon in America. Countless Americans have awakened to the challenges confronting our nation, and I believe they have recognized these issues well before it is too late. We aspire to establish fair agreements with our allies, and we seek proud acknowledgment of our heritage instead of self-loathing and fear," he stated.

Vance emphasized that Americans are now conscious of past mistakes and are dedicated to correcting course.

"Our President has remained steadfast on these matters for decades. America now has a government that has learned from previous errors. Our President Trump is genuinely concerned about ensuring that Americans have access to decent jobs. Today, I bring a straightforward message: we seek trade partners grounded in fairness and shared national interests," he stated.

"We desire trade agreements that are just and founded on mutual national interests. We want our heritage to be a point of pride rather than self-doubt. Our President, Donald Trump, has been consistent on these issues throughout the years. He deeply cares about providing Americans with good job opportunities," he reiterated.

He highlighted the significance of forging partnerships with nations that respect labor and share common objectives.

"Today, I convey a simple message: the United States seeks trade partners based on fairness and mutual benefit. We aim to build relationships with countries that value workers and are committed to collaborating with us," he concluded.

In closing, Vance stated: "We seek partners who recognize the historic nature of the moment we are in - to redefine global trade into a system that is open, balanced, stable, and equitable. Our partners don’t need to mirror America precisely, nor should governments operate in identical ways, but they should share a common goal. I believe in India, we do, which is to enhance our economy and national security. That’s why I’m thrilled to be here today. In India, America has a friend, and we must strengthen our great ties," he concluded.