Vice President JD Vance has called on India to eliminate select non-tariff barriers that hinder American businesses from entering the Indian market. He highlighted this as a vital step before finalizing a broader trade pact between the two nations. Speaking at a public address in Jaipur, Vance emphasized that these trade obstacles create difficulty for smooth commercial exchanges. He noted that while India faces similar challenges in countries like the US, EU, China, Japan, and South Korea, the goal is mutual ease of access.
Non-tariff barriers, or NTBs, differ from traditional tariffs, as they are not taxes but rather rules or standards that can complicate the flow of goods. While many of these measures—called non-tariff measures (NTMs)—serve to protect health, safety, and the environment, they can become trade-blocking when used arbitrarily without scientific basis.
Vance affirmed that trade talks are progressing steadily, with both sides having finalized the framework for a potential agreement. He also expressed strong interest in strengthening bilateral ties in sectors like defense, clean energy, high-tech manufacturing, and critical minerals. He stated that the Trump administration aims to increase exports of affordable and reliable American energy to India. Vance stated, “Our goal is to provide reliable energy to India and assist in its exploration of offshore gas and mineral reserves.”
In addition to trade, Vance emphasized the shared security goals of India and the US in the Indo-Pacific region. He stressed the importance of protecting the region from hostile powers and underlined that bolstering defense ties is central to maintaining regional stability. This deepening cooperation reflects a mutual commitment to economic growth and strategic safety between the two democracies.
