After several roadblocks in bilateral trade negotiations, the United States has indicated a renewed push to strengthen ties with India. Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor told lawmakers that a trade deal could be wrapped up “within the next few weeks,” ahead of a scheduled visit by senior Indian ministers to Washington.
Gor made clear that Washington’s “top priority” would be to pull India closer to the US and away from China, citing Beijing’s expansionism as a regional threat. “Our relationship with India extends many more decades, and it’s a much warmer relationship than they have with the Chinese,” he said.
At his Senate confirmation hearing, Gor stressed that while trade talks had faced “hiccups,” both sides were on track to find resolution. He highlighted India’s vast consumer market and said the US is seeking greater access for its crude oil, petroleum products, and LNG.
Gor also underscored President Donald Trump’s “deep friendship” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the personal rapport would shape stronger ties. Trump has invited India’s commerce ministers to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer next week, with tariffs and energy imports high on the agenda.
Calling India “central” to the Indo-Pacific and to the Quad partnership, Gor pledged to intensify defence, trade, and technology engagement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described India as one of America’s “top global relationships.”