New Delhi: US Vice President JD Vance said Tuesday that the reference conditions for negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement in India have been finalized, describing it as an ‘important step’ for a broader agreement based in shared priorities. The announcement indicates that both parties are ready to move from exploratory discussions to formal negotiations on the trade transaction, at a time when New -Delhi and Washington are trying to align the economic and strategic fronts. “This agreement is an important step towards a final agreement between our nations,” Vvce said. ‘We come to you as partners and want to strengthen our relationship. We are not here to preach that you are doing things in a certain way, ‘Vvce told an audience in Jaipur on Tuesday, his first talk of the visit. “Too often in the past, Washington has approached Premier Modi with an attitude of ministerial or even condescension,” Vvce said, adding that the US leaders in the past considered India as a source of cheap labor while criticizing the Modi government, “probably the most popular in the democratic world.” Historically, criticism of the human rights record of India, often by democratic politicians, has left New -Delhi Bristling. Vance’s remarks come because India and the US have a new round of talks on a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), which aims to address long-term tariff and market access issues. An Indian delegation, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Aggarwal, will hold the second round of face to face from April 23-25, with the aim of accelerating the finalization of the first part of the BTA. During the second day of his four-day visit to India (April 21-24), Vance used the platform to indicate a shift from previous US administrations. Vance also expressed optimism about the potential for closer collaboration in defense and security, which highlights common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. He confirmed that the US would continue to support India to strengthen its defense capabilities and to ensure regional stability. The Vice President highlights the importance of maintaining open, transparent and rules-based international systems, especially amid rising geopolitical tension. On a personal note, Vance Modi thanked him for offering him and his family in his Delhi home on Monday (April 21), and reflects on the cultural wealth of India and calls it a country full of vitality and “infinite possibility”. He emphasized the ‘unique opportunity’ that both countries must deepen the trade. Vance underlines India’s role as one of the world’s fastest growing economies, with its important contributions to the global supply chain, especially in textiles, electronics and infrastructure. The visiting VP further emphasized that the economic growth of India has made it a key player in global trade, providing significant opportunities for US businesses that want to diversify their manufacturing base and use new markets. Vance, who visited the Akshardham Temple in Delhi on Monday, on Monday, together with his ethnic-Indian wife Usha and children, described the experience as spiritual and emblematic of India’s deep-rooted traditions. The US Vice President also touched on the most important concerns about trade, especially surrounding energy and industrial growth. “Some in the West are powered by fear – to return the power generation, cancel core and other energy facilities, and then expect nations like India to do the same,” he said. ‘President Trump rejects these failed ideas. He wants America to grow. He wants India to grow. ‘ Vance’s visit coincides with critical India-American trading negotiations, where New Delhi wants to do a larger market access for labor-intensive exports such as textiles, clothing and engineering. At the same time, Washington is looking for regulatory relief and increased access for dairy and technical products. The discussions are also expected to address rates on steel and aluminum, with India in the hope of relief. Vance Price India’s ambition, and emphasizes that both countries share the responsibility to build a better future. “The deepest responsibility we have is not for ourselves, but for the next generation,” he notes. “America wants to build that brighter world with India of innovation, family building, investment and shared wealth.” His remarks in Jaipur are likely to echo in New -Delhi, as India calibrates its negotiation strategy -especially in light of the Trump administration’s recent tariff actions and reciprocal trading dynamics. Vance also emphasizes the potential for the cooperation of the US India in the technology and innovation sectors. With India’s fast -growing technology industry and US leadership in advanced technologies, he has identified areas of potential collaboration, including artificial intelligence, space exploration and digital infrastructure. Experts say: Although the conditions of the proposed free trade agreement have not been made public, experts believe they are already taking shape – and can tilt a lot in Washington favor. According to an assessment by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the absence of rapid job authority in the US Congress means that America cannot offer a binding tariff cut under the agreement. As a result, Indian goods can still face the standard most nation (MFN) tariffs of more than 10% in the US market, even if India may be forced to lower its rates on US cars, agricultural goods and industrial products. In addition, GTRI warned that the tors could include strict conditions to limit the use of Chinese origin components in Indian exports, reflecting recent US movements to “de-risk” its supply chains. If India resisted such conditions, it could face the threat of a steeper retaliation tariffs – especially under the aggressive trade of the Trump administration, it states. “If you give the US a unique favorable access
US Vice President JD Vance supports deeper trade ties with India, criticizing the previous ‘Preachy’ approach | Mint
