US-India trade deal in final stages: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

The US-India trade deal is in its “final stages” with only the last one percent of negotiations remaining to be completed, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Tuesday (Jun 30, 2026), expressing confidence that the deal will be concluded soon after nearly 18 months of negotiations.

Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum leaders’ summit, Mr Gore said he was committed to the deal because it would benefit both nations.

“We’re in the final stages of this deal. Most of this deal is done. There are a few items left on both sides. It’s the last 1% of this deal,” he said.

The US envoy to India was upbeat about the bilateral relationship, citing the personal equation between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that has guided relations.

Don’t care about the name on the letterhead: Sergio Gor on the Indo-Pacific command line

“People ask why it’s taking so long? We’ve been at it for a year and a half. To put it into perspective, we’ve been trading for 20 years. So regardless, once we beat the European deal, I think we’re in good shape. But I’m determined to see it through,” he said.

The US envoy said that the President has very good memories of his visit to India and still talks about it.

“His visit last time, it was one of his most remarkable visits that he still talks about. He’s holding it in a very popular place. It’s an incredible thing. So I’m looking forward to the president visiting us back in India,” Mr Gor said.

The ambassador also announced that a meeting of the four foreign ministers is scheduled in the Philippines in about two weeks.

Published – 30 Jun 2026 06:53 IST