The US-India bilateral trade agreement is nearly final, with most major elements settled “in principle,” US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum. He said the remaining work largely involves refining legal and technical language rather than resolving major policy differences.
Gor said Washington is currently “reconfiguring” parts of the agreement's text, with the finalisation process focused on technical details. His comments signal progress in negotiations aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
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Adding to the diplomatic momentum, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit India for a multi-day trip in October. It will be Rubio's second visit to India this year after a five-day trip in May. Gor said the frequency of high-level visits reflects the growing importance Washington attaches to India.
Gor also addressed a proposed 100% US tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil, saying the measure is part of a bipartisan initiative in the US Congress rather than a policy publicly advocated by President Donald Trump or the White House. He acknowledged that such a measure could affect India but stressed that the Trump administration's broader priority remains bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to an end.
The ambassador also highlighted the close relationship between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as a “deep and personal friendship.” Gor said Trump has tremendous respect for Modi and values the support he received from the Indian leader during his period out of office.
Gor said the expanding India-US partnership could “define the global stage”, reflecting India's growing importance in trade, diplomacy and strategic affairs.
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On regional geopolitics, he said Washington would continue engaging with countries around the world, regardless of India's relationships with neighbouring nations. The comments underline the US focus on deepening ties with India while maintaining broader diplomatic engagement across the region.
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