Interwoven Threads

Unlike in the two previous wars in 1965 and 1971, Pakistan fought this war with India without direct involvement of US arms

- DIPANKAR DEY

On April 21, US Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha Vance, and their children landed in Delhi for a four-day visit to India. The timing of JD Vance's India visit was critical as it came amid a global trade war after the US President announced reciprocal tariffs on several countries across the globe, including India. On his first day of visit, Vance held a meeting with the Indian Prime Minister where both of them discussed ways to bolster cooperation in energy, defence, and strategic technologies. They "formally announced the finalisation of the Terms of Reference for the negotiations". The US Vice President also urged India to buy more military hardware from the US, including the fifth-generation F-35 fighter aircraft, which, according to him, would give the Indian Air Force the ability to protect the country's citizens like never before. He underscored the deepening defence ties between the two nations with the launch of a joint Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance for maritime. His discussions with the Prime Minister centred on enhancing military collaboration, including joint production initiatives, advanced fighter jet acquisitions, and a unified approach to Indo-Pacific security.