‘PM Modi is a tough negotiator, that’s why…’: JD Vance pushes for trade breakthrough with India

United States Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “tough negotiator” during his high-profile visit to India, saying it is precisely this firmness that earns him respect in Washington. His comments came amid fast-tracked efforts to finalise a bilateral trade deal that could reshape economic partnership between the two nations.

“Modi is a tough negotiator, and that’s why we respect him. He stands strong for India's interests — and we appreciate that,” JD Vance said, signalling both admiration and a push for compromise as discussions move forward.

Follow JD Vance India Visit Live Updates

JD Vance was addressing a gathering in Rajasthan's Jaipur.

Vance said President Donald Trump wants both the United States and India to grow and the two countries can work together across sectors, including trade, defence and energy, for a win-win partnership.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi’s dinner wins over JD Vance’s son: ‘Dad, I think I can live in India'

Vance, who is on a mostly personal, four-day visit to India, was speaking a day after holding talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

His trip comes as India is rushing to clinch an early trade deal with the US—its largest trading partner—before the end of the 90-day pause on the steep tariffs announced by President Donald Trump's administration.

For India, the stakes are high. Donald Trump’s administration has imposed up to 26% tariffs on Indian exports under new levies announced on April 2, currently paused for 90 days.

Following talks between Vance and Modi, the US said it has made “significant progress” toward a bilateral trade agreement. According to a statement from the White House, both sides have now finalised the terms of reference for negotiations on “a new and modern trade agreement.” The development comes as New Delhi seeks to protect its exports from potential tariff hikes by the US.

Vance also said the United States is looking to sell more energy and defence equipment to India, adding that ties between the two countries will shape the century.

"If India and the United States work together successfully, we're going to see a 21st century that is prosperous and peaceful," he said in a speech in the northwestern Indian city of Jaipur.

“But I also believe that if we fail to work together successfully, the 21st century could be a very dark time for all of humanity.”

India hopes to "positively conclude" the first part of a trade pact by autumn, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in San Francisco on Monday.

Vance said he and Modi made good progress on trade talks, and confirmed that the two sides had finalised the terms of reference for the trade negotiation.

"It sets a roadmap toward a final deal between our nations," he said.

(With inputs from Reuters)