India-US trade talks set for Jan 13; India to join US-led Pax Silica next month, says ambassador Sergio Gor

Newly appointed US Ambassador Sergio Gor said India and the US remain actively engaged on trade, with the next round of talks expected shortly.

• US Ambassador Sergio Gor assumed charge in New Delhi, focusing on trade talks
• India and US to hold next round of trade discussions as early as tomorrow
• India to be invited next month to join Pax Silica, boosting tech cooperation

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US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor assumed charge in New Delhi on Monday and said India and the United States continue to “actively engage” on trade issues, with the next round of talks expected as early as tomorrow.

Speaking shortly after taking office, Gor said both sides remain in regular contact as negotiations continue, underscoring that dialogue has not stalled despite areas of disagreement.

Gor said India and the US are maintaining momentum in their trade discussions, signalling continuity in engagement at a time when both countries are navigating tariff disputes and market-access concerns.

He did not disclose details of the agenda but indicated that follow-up discussions between the two sides are scheduled soon.

In a brief public address before entering his office, Gor thanked US President Donald Trump and said his mission in India would be to strengthen ties between what he described as the world’s oldest and largest democracies.

He added that Trump had conveyed his best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to the relationship between the two leaders as genuine.

“Real friends can disagree, but resolve the difference,” Gor said, framing current trade negotiations as part of a broader, resilient partnership.

Gor also added that India will be invited next month to join Pax Silica as a full member signalling a major expansion of India–US cooperation in semiconductors, AI and critical supply chains.

Gor described Pax Silica as a US-led strategic initiative launched last month to build a secure and innovation-driven silicon supply chain, spanning critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and logistics.

Countries that joined the initiative in its first phase include Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Israel, he said.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that India will be invited to join this group of nations as a full member next month,” Gor said.

Gor also struck an expansive note on diplomacy, saying India and the US have a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' to redefine what global partnerships can achieve.

“As the world adopts new technology, it is essential that India and the United States work hand in hand from the very start of this initiative,” he said.