India, US hard at work on trade deal, New Delhi must drop some non-tariff barriers: JD Vance

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday urged India to lower certain non-tariff barriers that restrict market access for American companies, calling it a necessary step toward concluding a comprehensive trade agreement between the two countries.

“India should consider dropping some of the non-tariff barriers for American access to the Indian market,” Vance said during a public address in Jaipur.

The comments come amid a report by Financial Times that the United States may be stepping up pressure on India to allow full access to its $125 billion e-commerce market for American firms such as Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart. The move is part of Washington’s renewed push for a “fast-paced” reciprocal trade deal with New Delhi.


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“Our governments are hard at work on trade agreements, and we’ve already finalised the terms of reference for a deal," Vance added.

Washington eager to collaborate with New Delhi

Vance framed the ongoing trade talks as part of a broader U.S.-India agenda aimed at deepening economic and strategic cooperation.

He said Washington is eager to collaborate more with New Delhi across sectors ranging from energy and defence to critical minerals and high-tech manufacturing.

Highlighting energy cooperation, the US Vice President said Trump administration wants to expand affordable and reliable energyexports to India.

“This administration recognises cheap dependable energy — we want to sell it to India,” he said.

Furthermore, Vance noted America’s interest in helping India explore offshore natural gas reserves and secure access to critical mineral supplies essential for clean energy technologies.

“We want to help India explore offshore gas reserves and critical mineral supplies,” he said.

India, US have common goals: JD Vance

On the defence front, he confirmed that both countries would expand joint production and military cooperation.

“India, U.S. will co-produce many defence equipment,” Vance said, adding, “We want India to buy more of our military equipment.”

He emphasised shared strategic concerns, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. “India and the U.S. both know the region must remain safe from any hostile powers,” Vance said. Strengthening defense ties, he added, was essential to securing that goal.

Throughout his address, Vance repeatedly stressed the alignment of long-term goals between the two nations.

"We want to collaborate more with India,” he said. “We have common goals.”

Vance's remarks come amid renewed efforts by both governments to inject momentum into their strategic partnership, with trade, energy security, and defense emerging as top priorities.

Vance, along with his wife Usha and their three children, is on a four-day state visit to India.