The United States and India continue their efforts to finalize a long-awaited trade agreement, with new developments emerging from Sergio Gor, the recently appointed ambassador under the Trump administration. On his first day in office, Gor communicated with embassy staff in New Delhi, expressing optimism about the ongoing negotiations. He confirmed that both governments remain engaged and have scheduled another call for Tuesday to advance discussions.
Gor emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Real friends can disagree but always resolve their differences in the end.” He acknowledged the challenges posed by India”s status as the world”s largest country, indicating that reaching a consensus is a complex task. However, he reassured that both sides are committed to moving forward.
Originally, India was expected to be one of the first countries to finalize a trade deal during Trump”s second term, but this goal has faced setbacks. Gor pointed out that unresolved details have contributed to the delays. The U.S. imposed significant import tariffs on India, reaching as high as 50%, a move that was part of Washington”s strategy to address India”s energy imports from Russia.
Another point of contention has been the communication between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recently, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that the failure to finalize the deal stemmed from Modi not reaching out to Trump to conclude negotiations. This remark has reportedly angered officials in New Delhi, especially in light of Trump”s previous claims regarding his role in the India-Pakistan conflict, which India has firmly disputed.
In his remarks, Gor sought to mend any rifts, asserting, “I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real.” He delivered his speech in front of a gathering of embassy personnel, underscoring the deep ties between the two nations, which extend beyond mutual interests to high-level cooperation.
As part of strengthening relations, Gor announced India”s intended participation in the “Pax Silica” initiative, a new U.S.-led technology alliance aimed at enhancing collaboration in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. This alliance currently includes other nations such as Japan, South Korea, the UK, and Israel, with India expected to receive a formal invitation to join next month.
Gor described Pax Silica as a strategic initiative designed to create a secure and innovative silicon supply chain, encompassing everything from critical minerals to advanced manufacturing. The Trump administration is already taking steps behind the scenes, investing in chipmakers and rare earth projects while ensuring that federal control over AI regulations remains intact.
With Gor now serving as the ambassador to India, he replaces Eric Garcetti, the former Los Angeles mayor. While Gor does not have extensive experience in South Asia, he is rapidly immersing himself in his new role. The upcoming call on trade indicates that negotiations are ongoing, but whether Gor can successfully finalize the India-U.S. trade deal remains to be seen.
