US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor announced that the long-anticipated India-US trade agreement is “at the finish line,” expressing strong confidence that Washington and New Delhi will soon finalize the deal. Speaking in Atlanta ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Gor noted the nearly two decades it took for India to conclude its pact with the European Union, suggesting a much quicker resolution for the US-India agreement, which has been under negotiation for just over a year.
Deepening Bilateral Cooperation
Gor characterized the bilateral relationship as “great,” emphasizing that both nations are collaborating at an unprecedented level across various sectors. He cited significant engagement in pharmaceuticals, information technology, and military exercises as key examples of this heightened cooperation. The Ambassador underscored the broad scope of their partnership, stating, “Pick any sector, pick any item. The United States and India are working at it at a higher level than ever before.”
Surging Defense Ties and Quad Diplomacy
A significant highlight of Gor’s remarks was the burgeoning defense relationship between India and the United States. He pointed out that India conducts more military exercises with the US than with any other nation. Recent examples include the Yudh Abhyas exercise, involving 500 troops, and the Tarang Shakti air exercise, which notably featured F-35 fighter jets for the first time. Gor also hinted at more joint military drills in the near future, indicating a continuous strengthening of defense collaboration.
The Ambassador also touched upon the importance of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, which included representatives from the US, India, Japan, and Australia. This meeting, the third at a ministerial level this year, is expected to pave the way for a leaders' summit among the four nations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the event, underscoring the high-level engagement within the Quad framework.
Future Deliverables and Commercial Diplomacy
Gor revealed that Secretary Rubio has visited India twice within six months, with plans for further visits. These trips have a strong focus on commercial diplomacy and energy initiatives. The Ambassador expressed optimism about “very exciting deliverables” leading up to the G20, with both countries working closely and rapidly behind the scenes to achieve these outcomes. Following the Quad talks, EAM Jaishankar was slated to participate in the closing session of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.