Washington: US Vice President JD Vance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the United States of America's assistance to India to diversify its energy source through investments in US nuclear energy technology.
The Vice President and his entire family, including Indian-born Second Lady Usha Vance and two of their three children, posed for pictures with the Prime Minister who had gifts for them and birthday wishes for the couple's second son Vivek. The meeting took place on the sidelines of an AI summit in Paris.
"Had a wonderful meeting with US @VP @JDVance and his family," said a post from the Prime Minister's X account. "We had a great conversation on various subjects. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek!"
Vice-President Vance released a lengthier readout. "The two leaders, along with the Second Lady of the United States Usha Vance, enjoyed coffee together and discussed topics of mutual interest, including how the United States can assist India in diversifying its energy sourcing through investments in clean, reliable US nuclear technology."
India recently announced -- in the annual Budget -- plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act as a part of the broader strategy to expand its nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047. The liability law has long been cited as an impediment by foreign nuclear power generators to invest in the sector in India.
The Vice President's Office further said: "Prime Minister Modi graciously shared gifts with the Vance children and wished the Vice President's son, Vivek, a happy birthday.”
Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Vance on the sidelines of the AI Summit. The two leaders discussed a range of issues, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
PM Modi expressed his joy in joining the celebration and described having a "great conversation" with the Vance family. In response, US Vice President J.D. Vance expressed his gratitude towards PM Modi, saying, "Prime Minister Modi was gracious and kind, and our kids really enjoyed the gifts. I'm grateful to him for the wonderful conversation."
Vance appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's view that AI can never replace humans but will make people more productive and provide them with more freedom.
