The proposed India-US trade agreement is nearing completion, with negotiators working through the final outstanding issues, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Monday. He also said President Donald Trump remains personally invested in strengthening ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the leaders’ relationship as an advantage for the broader strategic partnership.
Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, Gor said cooperation between Washington and New Delhi continued to deepen across trade, defence, technology and investment. He dismissed suggestions that bilateral relations had weakened and said both governments remained focused on delivering concrete outcomes.
“We are hopefully in the final steps of this deal. Most of this deal is complete. There’s a few items that remain from both sides, but it’s in the last one or two per cent of that deal,” Gor said.
He noted that officials from both countries had stepped up negotiations in recent weeks. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer visited New Delhi recently, while Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also travelled to the United States as discussions continued.
Gor acknowledged that negotiations had taken around 18 months but said trade agreements of this scale often require considerably longer.
“People ask you, why has this taken so long? We’ve been at the trade deal for a year and a half. To put it into perspective, the European trade deal took 20 years. And so, no matter what, as long as we beat the European deal, I think we’re in good shape,” he said.
Calling the proposed agreement beneficial for both countries, Gor said it would provide greater certainty for businesses engaged in bilateral commerce.
“This is a deal that is beneficial to both sides. This is not one side or the other. This is a win-win situation where both sides can do incredible things and take this relationship to the next level,” he said.
India-US ties remain on strong footing
Gor rejected claims that the strategic partnership had weakened despite commentary suggesting otherwise.
“So to all those pundits that sit online and tweet and say, this relationship is in trouble, when you look at the facts of where this relationship stands, whether it’s trade, whether it’s defense, whether it’s the people-to-people ties, the relationship is on a strong footing,” he said.
He said cooperation continued to expand across sectors, including artificial intelligence, advanced technology and defence.
“In the six months that I’ve been in India, I’ve seen the incredible potential. There’s not a day that goes by that a new item pops up for our two countries to work together.”
According to Gor, India conducts more military exercises with the United States than with any other country.
“Every single month there’s something happening, whether it’s Indian troops coming here, whether it’s US troops going into the region,” he said.
Trump ‘considers PM Modi a friend’
Gor said President Trump continued to speak warmly about India and retained strong personal ties with Prime Minister Modi.
“The United States wants to work hand in hand with India. We care about this relationship. We have a president who deeply cares about this relationship,” he said.
Recalling a conversation with Trump before the weekend, Gor said the President continued to speak fondly about his previous visit to India.
“He has very fond memories of India. His visit last time, it was one of his most remarkable visits that he continues to talk about. He holds India a very fond place.”
The ambassador also recounted an incident from a recent Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in Miami, where Trump suggested calling Prime Minister Modi immediately.
“I said, ‘Sir, it’s 6:00 AM in the morning there.’
“He said, ‘He’ll be up. He’s like me.'”
Although the call was eventually scheduled for the following day, Gor said the exchange reflected the personal bond between the two leaders.
“The president truly considers the Prime Minister a friend,” he said.
Trade target of $500 billion
Highlighting the growth in economic ties, Gor said bilateral trade had increased from around $20 billion two decades ago to approximately $220 billion today.
He referred to the goal announced by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi to raise bilateral trade to $500 billion over the coming years.
“What President Trump and Prime Minister Modi announced as a bilateral trade goal of $500 billion over the next few years, that’s an astounding number that is unmatched,” he said.
Gor said the next two years would play an important role in shaping the future of the India-US partnership.
“These next two years will set the relationship on a path for several decades ahead. So, for everyone here who participates in this, think of this as a long-term project. This is not a one-year or two-year, but what we sow now will continue to sustain us decades ahead.”