Vance Suggests Imminent US-India Trade Agreement, Admires Modi as "Tough Negotiator"

NEW YORK (May 2):

US Vice-President J.D. Vance has suggested that a trade agreement between India and the United States could be reached shortly, referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "tough negotiator" in the current talks. During an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Vance indicated "good negotiations" are in progress to resolve the tariff disagreements that have strained trade relations between the two nations.

Vance also accused India of earlier "taking advantage" of U.S. trade policies, although he recognized the strategic and economic value of obtaining a mutually favorable agreement.

"India has been clever in its trade dealings with the US," Vance said. "But we're making headway. I believe India might be one of the first nations to seal a deal to escape the reciprocal tariffs that are at present on hold."

The tariffs in question were among the comprehensive import tax measures implemented under then-President Donald Trump, most of which remain suspended pending the results of bilateral talks.

The US and India have shared a complex trading relationship in recent years characterized by friction over market access, digital trade, and agriculture. Recent months, however, have seen both countries showing renewed optimism about expanding economic cooperation, especially in technology, defense, and clean energy areas.

If sealed, the trade agreement would be a big leap forward in US-India economic relations and a benchmark for other nations in similar tariff threat from Washington.