JD Vance's Indian Escapade! A Pirate's Take on Trade Deals and Trump's Tantrums!

Why is the Vice President Visiting India?

Savvy? Seems young Vance has sailed all the way to India! Not for rum I wager though a pirate can dream. Word is he's parleying with Prime Minister Modi himself. They're yammering about trade deals trying to avoid those pesky tariffs that Trump bless his barnacled heart keeps threatening. Turns out India's trying to sweeten the pot offering to lower tariffs on more than half the goods they import from the U.S. Forty one point eight billion they say! That's a lot of dubloons even by my standards.

Family Faith and the Fury of 'Tariff King' Trump

But hold your horses! It's not all business and bartering mateys. Vance is making it a family affair. Visiting the Taj Mahal – can't say I've ever had the pleasure too busy outsmarting the Navy you see – and attending a wedding in Jaipur. Apparently his missus Usha has Indian roots. Though if you ask me a pirate's heart only truly belongs to the sea! He even had a sit down with the Pope himself on Easter in Rome. All the while Trump's still calling India a 'tariff abuser' and 'tariff king.' Honestly the man has a way with words doesn't he? Almost as good as mine I daresay.

A Meeting of Minds or a Clash of Wills?

From what I can gather this meeting is all about keeping things shipshape after Modi's pow wow with Trump in Washington back in February. 'Fairness' in trade and beefing up their defense partnership that's the chanty. But with Trump's 'tariff king' pronouncements one wonders if it's more of a collision course than a meeting of minds. Though as I always say the problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Are you understand?

India's Sweet Deal to Trump's America?

India is thinking of lowering tariffs on more than half of the goods they import from the U.S. which were worth $41.8 billion in 2024 as part of a trade deal. The US President has continued to call India a 'tariff abuser' and 'tariff king' despite India trying to play nice with them.

Quad Squad Goals: Laying the Groundwork

Now here's where it gets interesting. Vance's voyage is also seen as prepping the deck for Trump's visit later this year for a summit of the Quad – that's India Australia Japan and the U.S. for those of you not keeping score. Seems like everyone wants a piece of the pie! Or perhaps a share of the rum? The U.S. China tensions are ramping up too. It's not easy is it? Not easy navigating in this world is it?

Defense Deals and Pirate Paranoia?

No deals are being signed during Vance's stay sadly. But India and the U.S. expect to ink a framework for defense partnership this year. They're also talking about India buying and co producing arms including Javelin missiles and Stryker vehicles. That's all fine and dandy but a pirate can't help but wonder: Are they preparing for a fight? And if so who will be the unlucky sods facing the wrath of these newfangled weapons? Time will tell I suppose. But remember not all treasure is silver and gold mate.