Vance seeks closer US-India ties, warns of 'dark time' otherwise; praises 'tough negotiator' PM Modi

US Vice President JD Vance addressing a gathering in Jaipur.

US Vice President JD Vance, who is on a four-day visit to India, said on Tuesday that the United States was looking to sell more energy and defence equipment to New Delhi.

"If India and the United States work together successfully, we're going to see a 21st century that is prosperous and peaceful," he said in a speech in Jaipur.

"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."

He also repeatedly praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their dinner on Monday. Vance is on a mostly personal, four-day visit to India along with his wife, who is the daughter of Indian immigrants, and their three children.

The trip comes at a time when India is rushing to clinch an early trade deal with the U.S. - its largest trading partner - before the end of the 90-day pause on the steep tariffs announced by President Donald Trump's administration.

"Prime Minister Modi is a tough negotiator. He drives a hard bargain," Vance said to a big laughter from the audience.

India hopes to "positively conclude" the first part of a trade pact by autumn, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in San Francisco on Monday.

Vance said he and Modi made good progress on trade talks, and confirmed that the two sides had finalised the terms of reference for the trade negotiation.

"It sets a roadmap toward a final deal between our nations," he said.

Vance met with PM Modi after a red carpet welcome in New Delhi on Monday. The Prime Minister's Office said that there had been "significant progress in the negotiations" with the two countries negotiating the first tranche of a trade deal.

New Delhi hopes to secure relief within the 90-day pause on steep tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump this month.