New Delhi (TIP): India and the United States are nearing the conclusion of a bilateral trade agreement, with most major issues resolved and only limited negotiations on the remaining details continuing, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Thursday, Oct 15.
Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum here, Gor said the broad framework of the proposed agreement had been finalised and expressed confidence that both sides would soon conclude the negotiations.
“The big picture, the big framework, the big items are done,” he said.
He described the negotiations as one of the fastest-moving trade discussions involving two large economies.
Gor said talks had progressed to product-specific and tariff-level discussions involving senior officials, including US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
While acknowledging the complexity of negotiations between two large economies, he said both countries were very close to finalising the pact.
Highlighting the broader bilateral ties, the ambassador described India as a trusted strategic partner of the United States.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government with advancing emerging technology initiatives and noted India’s inclusion among the first countries invited to key international technology partnerships.
Gor said expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, technology development, clean energy and civil nuclear power would create new opportunities for both countries.
He also pointed to growing investments by major US technology firms, including Google, Microsoft, Adobe and Micron, in India, describing the partnership as a win-win that supports job creation in both countries. On defence ties, he said India conducts more military exercises with the United States than with any other country. He cited recent joint drills and the participation of F-35 fighter aircraft in exercises in India as evidence of deepening strategic trust.
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