United States Vice President J.D. Vance on Tuesday reflected on the economic hardships faced by American manufacturing communities in recent years and underlined the importance of fair trade partnerships. Speaking at an event in Jaipur, Vance emphasized the growing ties between the U.S. and India, saying, “In India, the U.S. has a friend.”
Responding to a request by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vance shared his personal journey from Middletown, Ohio—a once-thriving manufacturing town that experienced economic decline as factories closed and jobs disappeared.
“I come from a long-standing manufacturing town called Middletown. It’s not a massive city like Jaipur, but it’s a decent place where people have made things for generations,” he said. Vance recalled how people migrated from nearby regions like West Virginia in search of manufacturing jobs and the promise of the American dream.
Speaking about his family, Vance said, “My parents and grandparents raised me in Middletown with the values of hard work, education, faith in God, love for our country, and being a good person. My grandfather’s job provided a decent wage and a pension. By the time I grew up, money was tight, but we were still able to live a good life.”
Vance described how that generation saw the rise of America’s middle class, crediting leaders of the past for building an economy rooted in production and supported by government policies that empowered workers and encouraged international trade.
“Back then, governments supported the labor force and struck good deals with global partners to sell goods made in the U.S.,” he said.
However, he noted that over time, that focus was lost.
“Later, some leaders abandoned the principles that built our prosperity. They ignored the importance of maintaining a strong industrial base. As a result, factories closed, jobs vanished, and towns like mine suffered,” Vance explained.
He said the story of Middletown mirrors that of millions of Americans.
“This story is my story—but it’s not unique. Tens of millions of Americans lived through this same experience. The good news is, people are now awake to what went wrong—and we believe it’s not too late to make things right,” he said.
Vance expressed confidence in the current U.S. administration’s approach, led by President Donald Trump, in correcting past mistakes.
“Our President has been consistent on these issues for decades. President Trump is deeply committed to ensuring Americans have access to good jobs and opportunities,” he said. “We want trade deals that are fair and rooted in shared national interests. We want our heritage to be a source of pride—not self-doubt.”
He emphasized the importance of partnering with countries that share values such as worker respect and industrial development.
“Today, I bring a simple message: the U.S. seeks trade partners on the basis of fairness and mutual interest. We want relationships with countries that respect labor and are committed to building alongside us,” Vance said.
“We want partners who recognize the historic moment we are in—to reshape global trade into a system that is open, balanced, stable, and fair. Our partners don’t need to be exactly like America, but we must share a common goal. I believe India and the U.S. do—especially when it comes to economic cooperation and national security. That’s why I’m so excited to be here today. In India, America has a friend, and it’s time to strengthen that bond,” he added.
-IANS
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