US-India Trade Deal in Final Stages, Only 1% of Negotiations Left: US Envoy Sergio Gor

By Mahima Katal

Washington, June 30: The proposed US-India trade agreement is in its final phase, with only the "last one per cent" of negotiations remaining, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Tuesday, expressing confidence that the deal would be concluded soon after nearly 18 months of discussions.

Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit, Gor said that the agreement was almost complete, with only a handful of unresolved issues pending on both sides.

"We are in the final steps on this deal. Most of this deal is complete. There are a few items that remain on both sides. It's in the last one per cent of that deal," he said.

Addressing questions over the duration of the negotiations, Gor noted that major

international trade agreements often take significantly longer to conclude.

"People ask, 'Why is this taking so long?' We've been at this for a year and a half. To put it into perspective, the European trade deal took 20 years. So, as long as we beat the European deal, I think we're in good shape. But I'm determined to bring this to a close," he remarked.

Highlighting the broader strategic partnership, the ambassador credited the strong personal rapport between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening bilateral ties.

Gor said President Trump continues to recall his previous visit to India with great enthusiasm.

"His visit last time was one of the most remarkable visits that he continues to talk about. He holds it in a very fond place. I look forward to having the President visit India again," he said.

The ambassador also announced that the foreign ministers of the Quad grouping are expected to meet in the Philippines in approximately two weeks.

On the economic front, Gor said the proposed agreement would provide greater certainty and stability for businesses engaged in bilateral trade. "For those of you that trade bilaterally, it's something that's incredibly useful and helpful. It brings stability," he said.

He noted that negotiations had intensified over the past three weeks, with multiple high-level visits between officials from both countries. "We've had travels back and forth. Minister Goyal was in New York, followed by Ambassador Greer in Delhi right afterwards," Gor said.

Emphasising the growth in economic ties, Gor said bilateral trade between India and the United States has expanded from USD 20 billion to USD 220 billion over the past two decades and is expected to grow further.

He reiterated the ambitious target announced by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi to increase bilateral trade to USD 500 billion in the coming years.

"That's an astounding number that is unmatched. We are ready to do so much with India. India exports more to the United States than anywhere else by far," Gor said.