India-US trade deal: After repeated hurdles in trade negotiations, the United States has signalled a fresh push in its ties with India, with ambassador-designate Sergio Gor stating that a bilateral trade deal could be finalised “within the next few weeks” as senior Indian ministers prepare to travel to Washington.
Gor underlined Washington’s intent to deepen ties with New Delhi, saying it will be a “top priority” to draw India closer to the US and away from China. Highlighting concerns over Chinese expansionism, Gor said, “Our relationship with India extends many more decades, and it’s a much warmer relationship than they have with the Chinese.”
He noted that while trade talks face “hiccups,” the two sides are on track for resolution. Stressing India’s vast market, Gor said the US seeks greater access for its crude oil, petroleum products, and LNG.
“We will make it a top priority that India is pulled into our side and away from China. While we (India-US) might have our moment of hiccups right now, we are on the track of resolving that. Our relationship with the Indian government and the Indian people extends many more decades, and it’s a much warmer relationship than they have with the Chinese… Chinese expansionism is not just on the border with India, it’s all over the area… We will make it a top priority that India is pulled into our side and away from them… In the ongoing trade talks, we want the Indian market to open for our crude oil, petroleum products, and LNG… India’s middle class is larger than the entire US…,” said Sergio Gor.
Trade talks back on track
At his Senate confirmation hearing, Gor said President Donald Trump has invited India’s commerce and trade ministers for discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer next week. “We’re not that far apart on a deal already on these tariffs,” Gor said, adding that the focus would be on resolving outstanding issues and addressing concerns over India’s purchase of Russian oil. Trump has made halting those imports a priority, imposing tariffs on India in response.
‘Deep friendship’ with Modi
Gor, 38, who is expected to be the youngest US envoy to India, emphasised Trump’s “deep friendship” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “When the President has been critical of India, he has gone out of his way to compliment Modi,” he said. Gor stressed that Washington expects more from India than from many other nations, reflecting its strategic weight in the Indo-Pacific.
Quad and China factor
On the Quad grouping, comprising the US, India, Japan and Australia, Gor underlined that the President remains committed to high-level engagement. “Frankly, India is concerned about Chinese expansionism,” he said, pledging to make it a priority to draw New Delhi closer to Washington’s orbit.
Rubio flags India’s centrality
Introducing Gor, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described India as “one of the top relationships the US has in the world today.” He said the Indo-Pacific would define the 21st Century, with India “at the core of that story.” Senators across the political spectrum echoed concerns over India’s energy ties with Russia but underscored that deepening defence, technology and trade links remain central to US interests.