Trade Talks Between India and the US Moving Forward: Sergio Gor

According to Sergio Gor, the newly appointed US ambassador to India, there are continuing talks between India and the United States on a long-pending trade deal.

During his visit to Delhi, he stated that both sides are initiating negotiations and are heading forward for further discussions.

Sergio mentioned that the discussion over trade deals is scheduled for January 13, 2026, though he did not reveal details about the participants.

The Relationship Between Trump and PM Modi is Genuine, Says Sergio

The newly appointed US ambassador to India regarded the friendship between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as ‘Real’.

He further added that there are times when friends disagree with each other, but in the end, they resolve it.

His remarks came after some US officials blamed India for delaying the trade deal. India refuted such claims, saying the negotiations are underway.

India-US Tariff Issues: How They Strained Talks Between the Nations

Ever since the US imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods in August, the India-US trade talks have been strained.

These tariffs, being the highest in Asia at 50%, also included penalties levied on India for dealing in Russian oil.

The United States has also been seeking greater access to India’s agricultural sector, to which India has strongly opposed to protect its farmers.

Even though Gor was appointed ambassador to the White House in November, he has not presented his credentials to the President of India.

However, he was welcomed at a high-profile event in Delhi on Monday. The grand atmosphere in the ceremony greeted Gor with a round of applause before he began addressing the reporters.

The popular American songs played in the background were of the Ambassador’s choice. The playlist included ‘It’s Me’ by Lionel Richie and ‘Ring of Fire’ by Johnny Cash.

Described India as "No Partner More Essential" Than the US

While speaking to reporters, Gor described India as ‘No Partner More Essential’ than the US.

He stated that the bilateral relationship between the two nations would yield one of the most significant partnerships of this century.

Acknowledging India as the world’s largest nation, reaching a trade deal won’t be that easy, but we are striving hard to achieve it.

Gor also added that both the US and India are making efforts to work on areas such as energy, health, security, education, technology, and counter terrorism.

India-US Trade Barriers

The relations between Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, which were once warm, have cooled recently over trade issues. However, both still engage in telephonic conversations occasionally.

India’s foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said that both India and the United States have reached a deal multiple times and have remained in contact.

It followed with  US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s remark, who claimed that the reason why talks stalled was that PM Modi never called Trump.

The US President recently cautioned India about higher tariffs if it continues to buy Russian oil.

A tough US sanction bill levied against Russia will also affect other countries that trade with Moscow.

Jaiswal said India is aware of the proposed bill and is monitoring the developments. Even though Russian oil purchases have increased after the 2022 sanctions, the imports have reduced after the implementation of new US tariffs.