New Delhi: United States Vice President JD Vance has described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “tough negotiator,” while expressing optimism about an impending trade agreement between India and the US. Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Vance said negotiations with India were progressing well as both nations look to avoid high reciprocal tariffs announced earlier this month by President Donald Trump.
“Modi, the Prime Minister, is a tough negotiator, but we’re going to rebalance that relationship,” Vance remarked, adding that India is likely to be among the first nations to finalize a deal with Washington.
India is one of several countries currently in talks with the US to secure relief from steep import tariffs announced on April 2. Though the new duties—ranging from 10% baseline tariffs to 25% on steel, aluminium, and auto components—are still in place, President Trump issued a 90-day suspension on April 9 for most countries, excluding China and Hong Kong. The pause allows time for trade negotiations before the July 9 deadline.
Vance highlighted that the potential US-India deal would open Indian markets to American technology and agricultural products. “Our farmers make great products, but the Indian market is effectively closed off. This trade deal would help American farmers access Indian markets and create more American jobs,” he said.
He stressed that President Trump is not against trade, but against unfair trade practices. “Let’s be honest—the Indians have taken advantage of us for a long time,” Vance stated.
Trade talks between New Delhi and Washington resumed following Prime Minister Modi’s February visit to the US, where both sides agreed to push forward on a comprehensive bilateral agreement. The upcoming deal is expected to address key issues including tariffs, market access, and regulatory barriers.
Alongside India, the US is also in trade negotiations with Japan, South Korea, and several European nations. However, India is seen as a frontrunner in securing a deal under the current tariff suspension window.
“PM Modi Is a Tough Negotiator, India May Seal Trade Deal Soon”: US Vice President JD Vance
India is among the countries negotiating with the US to avoid the high import taxes, most of them on pause right now, announced by President Donald Trump.
New York: United States Vice President JD Vance has described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “tough negotiator,” while expressing optimism about an impending trade agreement between India and the US. Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Vance said negotiations with India were progressing well as both nations look to avoid high reciprocal tariffs announced earlier this month by President Donald Trump.
“Modi, the Prime Minister, is a tough negotiator, but we’re going to rebalance that relationship,” Vance remarked, adding that India is likely to be among the first nations to finalize a deal with Washington.
India is one of several countries currently in talks with the US to secure relief from steep import tariffs announced on April 2. Though the new duties—ranging from 10% baseline tariffs to 25% on steel, aluminium, and auto components—are still in place, President Trump issued a 90-day suspension on April 9 for most countries, excluding China and Hong Kong. The pause allows time for trade negotiations before the July 9 deadline.
Vance highlighted that the potential US-India deal would open Indian markets to American technology and agricultural products. “Our farmers make great products, but the Indian market is effectively closed off. This trade deal would help American farmers access Indian markets and create more American jobs,” he said.
He stressed that President Trump is not against trade, but against unfair trade practices. “Let’s be honest—the Indians have taken advantage of us for a long time,” Vance stated.
Trade talks between New Delhi and Washington resumed following Prime Minister Modi’s February visit to the US, where both sides agreed to push forward on a comprehensive bilateral agreement. The upcoming deal is expected to address key issues including tariffs, market access, and regulatory barriers.
Alongside India, the US is also in trade negotiations with Japan, South Korea, and several European nations. However, India is seen as a frontrunner in securing a deal under the current tariff suspension window.
