US Vice-President JD Vance has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “tough negotiator” and claimed that India has long taken advantage of the United States in trade, while suggesting that Delhi could be among the first to strike a deal to avoid new tariffs.
In an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Vance acknowledged that “good negotiations” were underway with India in light of President Donald Trump’s recently announced reciprocal tariffs. “Modi…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 said.
Trump unveiled a broad package of reciprocal tariffs on April 2 targeting countries like India and China. However, on April 9, the administration paused implementation for 90 days, until July 9, for all nations except China and Hong Kong.
Despite the pause, a 10% baseline tariff remains in effect, along with steep duties of 25% on steel, aluminium and auto components.
Highlighting trade imbalances, Vance noted that while American farmers produce high-quality agricultural goods, the Indian market has remained largely closed to them. “Our farmers are making great things but the Indian market is effectively closed off to American farmers. That needs to change,” he said.
Vance outlined the goals of a potential US-India trade pact. “What our India deal will do is open up India to American technology, American farmers and create more American jobs. It’s the kind of deal Donald Trump loves,” the Vice-President said in the interview.
He added that Trump was not against trade but against “unfair trade” that benefits foreign competitors at the expense of American workers and producers. “Let’s be honest—the Indians have taken advantage of us for a very long time,” he said.
Negotiations for a bilateral trade deal are currently underway, following discussions between Modi and Trump in Washington in February. The agreement is expected to address tariffs, market access and trade barriers.