India and US Close to Finalizing Trade Agreement
New Delhi: On October 15, U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, announced that India and the United States are in the final stages of reaching a bilateral trade agreement. Most major issues have been resolved, and only a few details remain under discussion.
Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, Gor expressed confidence that the negotiations would soon come to a close. He noted that the overall framework of the agreement has already been established. “The big picture, the big framework, the big items are done,” he stated, highlighting the swift progress of the talks.
The negotiations have shifted focus to specific products and tariff levels, involving high-ranking officials from both sides, including U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Despite the complexity of working with two large economies, Gor remarked that both nations are very close to finalizing the pact.
In addition to trade discussions, Gor emphasized the strong bilateral relationship between the U.S. and India, labeling India as a trusted strategic partner. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for promoting initiatives in emerging technology and mentioned India’s inclusion in important international tech partnerships.
Gor also indicated that expanding cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and civil nuclear technology presents new opportunities for both countries. He pointed to the increasing investments from major U.S. tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and Micron in India, calling this collaboration beneficial for job creation in both nations.
On the topic of defense, Gor noted that India conducts more military exercises with the U.S. than with any other country, citing recent joint drills and the involvement of F-35 fighter jets in exercises in India as evidence of deepening strategic trust.
