22 May,2026 09:06 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
US Ambassador Sergio Gor. Pic/AFP
US Ambassador Sergio Gor on Thursday expressed confidence that a major bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States could be finalised in the "coming weeks and months", signalling momentum in ongoing negotiations between the two countries, reported IANS.
Speaking at the Annual Leadership Summit of the American Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi, Gor said the proposed agreement was aimed at boosting trade opportunities, improving market access and strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations, reported IANS.
Gor said the administration of US President Donald Trump was focused on expanding bilateral trade in a way that benefits businesses and workers in both countries.
"President Trump's goal is to facilitate bilateral trade in a way that creates lucrative opportunities for American businesses and workers," Gor said during his address, reported IANS.
He added that an interim trade agreement was currently under discussion and could pave the way for broader economic cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.
According to Gor, officials from both countries have accelerated discussions in recent weeks as negotiators work towards finalising the deal.
Referring to recent diplomatic engagements, Gor said an Indian delegation had travelled to Washington last month to advance negotiations, while a US delegation is expected to visit India next month for further discussions, reported IANS.
He said the proposed agreement is expected to reduce trade barriers, expand market access and create a more predictable business environment for companies operating in both countries.
"This agreement, if done right, will strengthen supply chains, catalyse new investments, and drive sustained inclusive growth," Gor said, reported IANS.
He added that the deal could deliver long-term benefits for industries, workers and investors in both economies.
Acknowledging that negotiations had taken time, Gor pointed out that trade discussions between India and the European Union had stretched over nearly two decades before reaching a conclusion, reported IANS.
"Negotiations have been ongoing for a year and a half, but to put it in perspective, the European Union took almost 19 years," he said.
Despite the challenges, Gor maintained that both sides were optimistic about reaching an agreement soon.
"We are confident that in the coming weeks and months, this trade deal will be finalised," he added.
Highlighting growing economic ties, Gor said Indian companies had committed investments worth more than USD 20 billion in the United States during the annual Select Investment Summit, reported IANS.
He said the investment commitments reflected the expanding partnership between India and the US across multiple sectors.
"The US Embassy in India ranked first globally in facilitating investment commitments into the United States," Gor said.
He also pointed to the increasing presence of American companies in India's growing consumer and industrial markets.
Meanwhile, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that an official US delegation is expected to visit India next month to continue bilateral trade negotiations.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Goyal said discussions had progressed following meetings between Indian and US officials in Washington in April.
The proposed trade agreement is expected to be closely watched by industries in both countries, particularly sectors linked to manufacturing, technology, energy and supply chains.
(With inputs from IANS)
