New Delhi — India and the United States are close to finalizing a bilateral trade agreement, with most major issues resolved and negotiations focused on a limited number of remaining details, U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said Thursday.
Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, Gor said the overall framework of the proposed agreement had been settled and expressed confidence that the two countries would soon conclude negotiations.
“The big picture, the big framework, the big items are done,” Gor said.
He described the negotiations as among the fastest-moving trade discussions between two major economies, noting that talks had advanced to specific products and tariff rates.
Senior officials involved in the negotiations include U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Although trade agreements between large economies involve complex negotiations, Gor said the two governments were approaching a final deal.
The ambassador also emphasized the broader strategic relationship between Washington and New Delhi, describing India as a trusted U.S. partner.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government with advancing emerging technology initiatives and highlighted India’s participation in international technology partnerships.
Gor said cooperation in artificial intelligence, technology development, clean energy and civilian nuclear power could create significant economic opportunities for both countries.
He also pointed to growing investments in India by major American technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, Adobe and Micron, saying the expanding commercial relationship supports employment and economic growth in both nations.
On defense cooperation, Gor said India conducts more joint military exercises with the United States than with any other country.
He cited recent military drills and the participation of American F-35 fighter jets in exercises in India as examples of growing strategic cooperation and mutual trust.
The ambassador also announced that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would visit India soon, with engagements planned in Mumbai and Jamnagar.
The upcoming visit is expected to focus on trade, investment and commercial partnerships as the two countries work toward strengthening their economic relationship.
Gor also addressed questions about potential U.S. sanctions related to Russia, saying the proposed measures were intended to help bring an end to the conflict rather than target any particular country.
He said discussions on the sanctions remained underway and that the U.S. administration would make decisions in the coming days.
The ambassador’s comments come as India and the United States seek to complete a trade agreement while expanding cooperation across technology, defense, energy and investment. (Source: IANS)
