India’s growing economy and massive infrastructure are a perfect match for America’s expertise in energy, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure, and both sides are well-positioned to expand their strategic economic pillar, which will be mutually beneficial, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said.
The envoy said both countries prioritized building resilient supply chains for semiconductors and critical minerals, and welcomed New Delhi joining the US-led “Pax Silica” initiative to secure these networks amid intense competition from China.
In an interview with Span magazine, a publication of the US embassy, the ambassador said that Washington is uniquely positioned to serve as the “main facilitator” of economic growth in South and Central Asia and that the proposed trade deal with India will create a “powerful anchor” for regional economic integration.
Elaborating on US defense and security cooperation with India, he said it represented the “most strategically important” area of cooperation between the two sides and the aforementioned Quad cooperation.
“My vision is to transform the US-India relationship into a defining strategic partnership of the 21st century that brings tangible benefits to both our nations,” he said.
The envoy’s remarks came amid efforts by New Delhi and Washington to strengthen bilateral ties after a turbulent period sparked by US tariffs policy.
Without giving any specific references, Mr Gore said the US remains focused on working with partners to fight terrorism, violent radicalization and transnational crime because security and economic prosperity are “connected”.
“India is a major defense partner and defense cooperation is one of the brightest points of our bilateral relationship. We are also strengthening US-India military interoperability through participation in military exercises like Malabar, Tiger Triumph and Cope India,” he said.
“Both of our nations are also part of the Quad, a strategic partnership that keeps our security interests robust and aligned. These three core aspects – diplomacy, defense exercises and military sales – ensure strong, ongoing defense cooperation. If these aspects are maintained, I foresee a natural strengthening of our defense ties,” he said.
Known as a key member of US President Donald Trump’s inner circle, Mr Gore extensively highlighted various aspects of US-India economic ties, adding that investment and trade expansion offer transformative potential.
“India’s growing economy and massive infrastructure must be a perfect match for America’s expertise in energy, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure,” he said.
“These investments benefit both our nations while strengthening the economic foundation of our long-term strategic partnership. Simply put, we have a win-win situation ahead of us,” he said.
Mr. Gore also touched on cooperation in critical areas under the “US-India COMPACT”.
“I am pleased to report that these prospects are exceptionally strong. For example, the US-India COMPACT framework prioritizes building resilient supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals and pharmaceuticals,” he said.
Recently, India became the 10th signatory to the Pax Silica Declaration, he said.
“Pax Silica is focused on further aligning the economic and national security interests of the US and India through a partnership in critical mineral processing capacity and investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure,” he said.
The COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology) initiative, which aims to foster transformational change across key pillars of cooperation, was launched following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump in February last year.
Mr Gore argued that the US was “uniquely positioned” to serve as the “prime facilitator” of economic growth in the Central and South Asian regions.
“In Central Asia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have committed to major investment deals with American companies that help develop critical minerals, digital infrastructure and energy resources while supporting American jobs.”
“In South Asia, our revamped trade agreement with India creates a strong anchor for regional economic integration,” he said.
The envoy added: “I want the positive results of our partnership to be felt by ordinary citizens. American farmers sell more to Indian markets, joint research in energy and medicine, and the militaries of both nations work together seamlessly to ensure a safe and secure Indo-Pacific.”
Mr. Gore further noted that the US-India relationship is rooted in shared democratic values, mutual prosperity and common security interests that will shape the global order for generations.
Published – 29 March 2026 23:08 IST
