US Vice President JD Vance in India: Trade deal framework finalised, calls PM Modi a ‘tough negotiator’
PTC Web Desk: In a major development amid the ongoing tariff tensions, United States Vice President JD Vance announced that the US and India have finalised the framework for a future trade agreement. The announcement comes as a significant step forward in strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
JD Vance landed in New Delhi on Monday for a four-day visit to India, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their children. Speaking to the media, Vance said, “America and India have officially finalised the terms of reference for the trade negotiations.”
This update follows months of uncertainty after President Donald Trump imposed a 26 per cent reciprocal tariff, affecting several industries. However, Trump later announced a 90-day pause on the tariffs, offering temporary relief. India, throughout this period, emphasised that talks were ongoing while ensuring its national interests were safeguarded.
Vance noted that finalising the outline of the deal reflects the shared vision of President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I believe this is a vital step toward realising President Trump's and Prime Minister Modi's vision because it sets a road map toward a final deal between our nations,” he said.
After a meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Delhi, Vance praised him as a “tough negotiator”, stating it is one of the reasons why the United States respects him. “PM Modi is a tough negotiator. He drives a hard bargain. That’s one of the reasons we respect him,” Vance remarked. He added that the US sees India not just as a trade partner but as a key strategic ally in the years ahead.
In a clear shift from earlier US policies, JD Vance emphasised that the current administration does not intend to lecture India, but instead aims to foster a mutually respectful partnership. “We’re not here to preach that you do things any one particular way. Too often in the past, Washington approached Prime Minister Modi with an attitude of preaching. Prior administrations saw India as a source of low-cost labour,” Vance explained.
While speaking at an event in Jaipur, Vance acknowledged PM Modi’s soaring popularity, calling it unmatched in any democracy today. He light-heartedly added,
“Even as they criticised the Prime Minister’s government, it’s arguably the most popular in the democratic world. As I told Prime Minister Modi last night, he's got approval ratings that would make me jealous.”
- With inputs from agencies
