JD Vance: India-US Trade Talks Enter Final Phase with Roadmap in Place
Vice President JD Vance confirms both nations have agreed on the terms of reference, paving the way for a comprehensive trade agreement.
New Delhi: United States Vice President JD Vance has announced that India and the US have officially finalized the terms of reference for their ongoing trade negotiations, describing it as a “roadmap to a final deal.” The announcement comes amid ongoing global concerns around tariff policies and trade realignments.
Vance, currently on a four-day visit to India with his wife Usha Vance and their children, made the statement while addressing media after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. His visit follows the reciprocal 26% tariffs imposed during former President Donald Trump’s administration, which triggered uncertainty across key sectors. A subsequent 90-day pause announced by Trump provided temporary relief, during which India emphasized its commitment to ongoing trade discussions.
#WATCH | Jaipur | US Vice President JD Vance says, "America and India have officially finalised the terms of reference for the trade negotiation."
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025
"I believe this is a vital step toward realising President Trump's and Prime Minister Modi's vision, because it sets a road map… pic.twitter.com/vuheT56nCs
“This marks a significant step toward achieving the shared vision of President Trump and Prime Minister Modi,” Vance said, adding that the agreement sets the foundation for a long-term trade partnership between the two democracies.
During his remarks, Vance praised PM Modi’s leadership and negotiation skills. “Prime Minister Modi is a tough negotiator who drives a hard bargain that’s one of the reasons he is so respected,” he said.
In his address in Jaipur, Vance emphasized that the US no longer views India through a one-sided lens. “We’re not here to preach. Too often, prior administrations saw India merely as a source of cheap labor. We want to be a partner, not a preacher,” he stated.
He also made light of Modi’s soaring public approval, joking, “I told Prime Minister Modi last night that his popularity ratings make me jealous.”