By The Sampadak Express
U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Thursday described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “tough negotiator” while expressing optimism over ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries. Speaking to Fox News, Vance noted that India could be among the first nations to finalize a trade agreement aimed at averting new U.S. tariffs announced by President Donald Trump last month.“
Modi, the Prime Minister, is a tough negotiator, but we’re going to rebalance that relationship, and that’s why the president’s doing what he’s doing,” Vance stated, referring to Trump’s recent push for reciprocal tariffs.
Trump announced sweeping tariffs on April 2 targeting several countries, including India and China, as part of his “Liberation Day” initiative. However, most of these tariffs excluding those on China and Hong Kong were suspended for 90 days starting April 9, giving countries until July 9 to reach new trade agreements.
Among the paused measures are high import taxes, though a 10% baseline tariff and existing 25% duties on steel, aluminium, and auto components remain in effect. According to Vance, India is engaged in “good negotiations,” alongside other key partners such as Japan, South Korea, and several European nations.
When asked if India might be the first to strike a new trade deal, Vance responded, “I don’t know if it’ll be your first deal, but I think it would be among the first deals for sure.”
India, which has reportedly offered concessions in areas like energy and defense procurement, continues to hold firm in its stance. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that India will not succumb to external pressure, stating that any agreement must align with national interests.
Bilateral trade talks have gained momentum in recent months. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington in February, both sides set an ambitious target of increasing two way trade to $500 billion by 2030. They also committed to finalizing the first phase of a comprehensive, multi sector trade agreement by fall 2025. The pact aims to expand market access, reduce tariffs and non tariff barriers, and strengthen supply chain cooperation between the two democracies.
As the July deadline approaches, all eyes are on how the India U.S. negotiations unfold amid a broader reshaping of global trade dynamics under the Trump administration.
