Saturday, March 29, 2025
📍 Jaipur | April 22, 2025
During his high-profile visit to India, US Vice President JD Vance praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “tough negotiator,” saying it’s this very firmness that earns him respect in Washington. His remarks come at a crucial time as both countries accelerate talks on a bilateral trade deal that could significantly reshape their economic ties.
“Modi is a tough negotiator, and that’s why we respect him. He stands firm for India’s interests — and we appreciate that,” Vance said while addressing an audience at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur.
Vance emphasized that President Donald Trump’s administration wants both the United States and India to prosper together and work across key sectors like trade, defense, and energy to build a mutually beneficial partnership.
The Vice President’s comments came a day after he met with PM Modi in New Delhi, where both sides reportedly made “significant progress” on a trade agreement. According to a White House statement, negotiators have finalized the terms of reference for talks on a “new and modern” trade pact.
India is currently aiming to finalize an initial part of the trade agreement by autumn, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently shared during her visit to San Francisco. The urgency is driven by a looming deadline — the 90-day pause on steep US tariffs (up to 26%) on Indian exports announced by Trump’s administration on April 2.
“This sets a roadmap toward a final deal between our nations,” Vance said, confirming forward movement in the trade discussions.
He further noted that the US is keen to increase energy and defense exports to India, underlining the importance of bilateral relations.
“If India and the United States work together successfully, the 21st century will be prosperous and peaceful,” Vance said. “But if we fail, it could be a dark time for all of humanity.”
JD Vance is on a mostly personal four-day visit to India, during which he is also engaging in high-level talks and strategic diplomacy aimed at strengthening ties between the world’s two largest democracies.
