In an attempt to defuse Trump's tariff tensions, U.S. Vice President JD Vance travels to India, completes a trade agreement, and gives Modi high marks.
Relations between the United States and India represented a watershed moment on the first day of a four-day visit. Both countries are attempting to address escalating trade tensions associated with proposed tariff changes by President Donald Trump, who many believe is globalizing free trade.
This would make it more difficult for India to export, given that it pays a 10% U.S. tariff at present and another 26% until July 8.
Vance is now in India to expedite an already stalled trade negotiations process, with the goal of advancing a mutually beneficial trade agreement that avoids the impairment of a new duty.
At the press conference with Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Vance mentioned that the two countries had successfully completed discussions and reached an agreement on trade aspects.
"This is a major milestone," Vance said of the agreement. He described Modi as a "tough negotiator" and called Modi a prime minister who "stands strong for India's interests."
He stated that President Trump aims to rebalance trade not just for India but also to pursue a stronger future with U.S. allies. Vance sees the agreement as helping create deeper, sustained collaboration among nations in energy, defense, and technology, which will be mutually beneficial to the U.S. and India.
Scindia, Minister of Communications, called the Vance visit a "very important step" and said this represents a higher level of bilateral dialogue, with the conversations progressing during global economic realignment.
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