India-US trade talks reach final stage, with tariff discussions continuing

US Ambassador Sergio Gor said India and the United States were close to finalising a bilateral trade agreement, with major issues resolved. He also outlined plans for cooperation in technology, energy and defence ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit

New Delhi: 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.

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.

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“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.

Gor also announced that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio would visit India soon, with engagements planned in Mumbai and Jamnagar.

The visit is expected to focus on trade, investment and commercial partnerships amid expanding bilateral economic relations.

Addressing concerns over proposed US sanctions linked to Russia, Gor said the measures were aimed at ending the conflict and were not targeted at any specific country.

He added that discussions on the issue were ongoing and that the US administration would take decisions in the coming days.