India’s Trade Strategy: Lessons from Vietnam, Japan, and a Call for Written US Deal Statements

India‘s trade negotiations with the United States warrant careful consideration, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The think tank highlighted potential misunderstandings in recent trade deals between the U.S. and countries like Vietnam and Japan.

GTRI released a report on Sunday suggesting India learn from these experiences. They specifically recommended India insist on a jointly issued, written statement before acknowledging any agreement.

There seem to be differing interpretations of the recently finalized trade deals involving the U.S. and Vietnam,and also the U.S. and japan. This has led to questions about clarity and mutual understanding.

A Japanese government document released on July 25 indicated significant differences between Japan’s understanding of a new trade deal with the U.S.and how President Donald Trump described it. GTRI pointed to this as a key example.

To prevent similar misrepresentations, GTRI advised India to push for a joint written statement documenting the agreed terms. This would ensure both parties are on the same page moving forward.

President Trump had announced that the agreement would secure substantial Japanese investments and strong tariff protections. He also claimed guaranteed access for U.S. farm exports, including rice. However, Japan’s official summary presented a more limited framework, one that is still under negotiation and lacks binding commitments, according to GTRI’s analysis.

President Trump stated Japan would invest $550 billion in the U.S., with 90% of profits remaining in America. Japan’s version, however, categorizes this $550 billion as a mix of equity, loans, and guarantees from state-backed institutions, rather than a straightforward investment.

Moreover, President trump announced that Japan would significantly open its markets to U.S. agricultural exports, specifically mentioning rice.This was presented as a major concession.

However, a Japanese government document cited by GTRI indicates this opening is restricted to procurement under its existing Minimum Access (MA) scheme.it also depends on domestic demand and supply conditions,meaning Japan could opt out if there’s no market need.

In essence, Japan appears to retain the right not to import U.S.rice if there isn’t a domestic requirement for it. This suggests a conditional rather than a guaranteed market access.

another area of divergence noted by GTRI concerns automotive exports. The details hear also suggest differing expectations.

President Trump had claimed Japan would eliminate additional safety testing for U.S.-made vehicles entering the market. This was presented as a simplification for American car manufacturers.

Japan’s document, as interpreted by GTRI, confirms it will permit American car imports without additional testing, provided they meet Japanese road safety standards. This means compliance is still necessary.

GTRI inferred from this that it is not a blanket exemption. U.S. manufacturers must still adhere to Japanese technical norms to export their vehicles there, indicating ongoing requirements.

How might India adapt Vietnam’s strategy of actively courting FDI too attract investment in higher-value manufacturing and technology sectors, considering its different economic context?

India’s trade Strategy: Lessons from Vietnam, Japan, and a Call for Writen US Deal Statements

the Shifting Landscape of Indian Trade

India, now the world’s largest democracy (BBC News, 2025), is undergoing a significant evolution in its trade strategy. Historically reliant on a somewhat protectionist approach, India is increasingly recognizing the necessity of deeper integration into global value chains. This shift is driven by a desire for sustained economic growth, job creation, and enhanced competitiveness. Key areas of focus include diversifying export markets, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and negotiating comprehensive trade agreements. Understanding the successes – and failures – of other Asian economies is crucial for India’s future trajectory.

Vietnam’s Export-Led Growth Model: A Blueprint for India?

Vietnam’s remarkable economic transformation over the past three decades offers valuable lessons for India. Several factors contributed to Vietnam’s success:

Early Adoption of Export-Oriented Policies: Vietnam aggressively pursued export-led growth, focusing on labor-intensive manufacturing.

Strategic FDI Attraction: Vietnam actively courted FDI, especially in sectors like textiles, footwear, and electronics. This brought in capital, technology, and access to global markets.

Regional trade agreements: Participation in agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) – even before full ratification – signaled a commitment to trade liberalization.

Streamlined Bureaucracy: Significant efforts were made to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and improve the ease of doing business.

India’s Potential Request: India can emulate Vietnam by:

Focusing on Labor-Intensive exports: Leveraging its large and relatively inexpensive workforce in sectors like apparel, leather goods, and low-end manufacturing.

Improving Infrastructure: Investing heavily in ports, roads, and logistics to reduce trade costs.

Simplifying Regulations: reducing red tape and creating a more business-friendly surroundings. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is a step in this direction, but needs further refinement.

Japan’s High-Value Trade & Technological Collaboration

Japan’s trade strategy, characterized by high-value exports and technological innovation, presents a different, but equally significant, model for India. Key elements include:

Emphasis on Quality and Innovation: Japanese products are renowned for their quality, reliability, and technological sophistication.

Strong Industry-Government Collaboration: Close cooperation between government and industry has been instrumental in driving innovation and competitiveness.

Long-Term Investment in R&D: Japan consistently invests heavily in research and development, fostering a culture of innovation.

Strategic Partnerships: Japan has forged strong economic partnerships with countries around the world.

India’s Potential Application: India can learn from Japan by:

Investing in Skill Development: Upgrading the skills of the workforce to meet the demands of a more technologically advanced economy.

Promoting R&D: Increasing investment in research and development, particularly in areas like renewable energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.

Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights: Protecting intellectual property rights to encourage innovation and attract investment.

Fostering Industry-Academia Collaboration: Encouraging closer collaboration between universities and industry to drive innovation.

The US Trade relationship: The Urgent Need for Written Agreements

Despite growing economic ties, the India-US trade relationship remains somewhat fragile, hampered by a lack of comprehensive, written trade agreements. While discussions have been ongoing for years, a formal, documented framework is crucial for:

Reducing Trade Barriers: Addressing issues like tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and regulatory hurdles.

Protecting Intellectual Property: Strengthening intellectual property rights protection to encourage innovation and investment.

Resolving Trade Disputes: establishing a clear mechanism for resolving trade disputes.

Enhancing Investment Flows: creating a more predictable and transparent investment climate.

The Current Situation: Reliance on verbal understandings and informal agreements creates uncertainty and can lead to misunderstandings. A written agreement woudl provide a stable foundation for long-term economic cooperation. Recent discussions regarding market access for agricultural products and digital trade highlight the need for a formalized framework.

Practical Steps:

1. Prioritize a Bilateral Trade Agreement: India and the US should prioritize negotiations on a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement.
2. Focus on Key Sectors: The agreement should focus on key sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, digital trade, and manufacturing.
3. Address Intellectual property Concerns: Strong provisions on intellectual property rights protection are essential.
4. Establish a Dispute Resolution Mechanism: A clear and effective dispute resolution mechanism is crucial for resolving trade disputes.

Benefits of a Proactive Trade Strategy for India

A well-defined and proactively implemented trade strategy offers numerous benefits for India:

Increased Economic Growth: Greater integration into global value chains will boost economic growth.

Job Creation: Increased exports and FDI will create new job opportunities.

Enhanced Competitiveness: Exposure to global competition will drive innovation and improve competitiveness.

Improved Standard of Living: Higher incomes and increased access to goods and services will improve the standard of living.

Geopolitical Influence: Strong economic ties will enhance India’s geopolitical influence.

Navigating Trade Challenges: Risks and Mitigation

India’s trade strategy isn’t without its challenges. These include: