India, April 22 -- United States Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "tough negotiator" during his high-profile visit to India, saying it is precisely this firmness that earns him respect in Washington. His comments came amid fast-tracked efforts to finalise a bilateral trade deal that could reshape economic partnership between the two nations.

"Modi is a tough negotiator, and that's why we respect him. He stands strong for India's interests - and we appreciate that," JD Vance said, signalling both admiration and a push for compromise as discussions move forward.

JD Vance was addressing a gathering in Rajasthan's Jaipur.

Vance said President Donald Trump wants both the United States and India to ...