US Vice-President J D Vance, in a Fox News interview on Thursday, praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “tough negotiator” while claiming India has long taken advantage of US trade policies. Vance expressed optimism that India could be among the first nations to finalize a trade deal with the US to avoid President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, currently paused until July 9, 2025.

Speaking on Special Report, Vance highlighted ongoing “good negotiations” with India, alongside Japan, Korea, and European nations. The deal aims to rebalance trade by opening India’s market to American farmers and technology, addressing the near-total exclusion of US agricultural products. “Our farmers make great things, but India’s market is closed off, making us reliant on foreign competitors,” Vance said, emphasizing that the agreement would create American jobs and promote fair trade, aligning with Trump’s vision.

Trump’s April 2 tariffs, including a 10% baseline and 25% on steel, aluminum, and auto components, remain in effect, with India facing a potential 26% hike if no deal is reached. Negotiations, spurred by Modi’s February talks with Trump in Washington, target doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Vance’s recent India visit, where he and Modi finalized negotiation terms, underscores the urgency to secure a pact before the tariff pause ends.

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However, domestic opposition in India, notably from farmers’ groups like the All India Kisan Sabha, warns that tariff cuts could harm agriculture. Despite these challenges, Vance’s remarks signal a strategic push to deepen US-India ties, leveraging trade to counter China’s regional influence.

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