Sergio Gor played ‘very important role’ in India-US trade framework: Piyush Goyal

Sergio Gor

• US Ambassador Sergio Gor key in India-US interim trade deal negotiations
• India to reduce tariffs on US goods; US to set 18% tariff on some Indian products
• India plans $500 billion purchases of US energy, aircraft, tech, and coking coal

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Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has credited newly appointed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor with playing a “very important role” in concluding the framework of the India-US interim trade agreement, acknowledging the envoy’s contribution to the negotiations, ANI reported.

In an interview with ANI, Goyal said he had “no hesitation” in recognising Gor’s efforts in helping finalise and announce the deal, describing him as both a “dear friend” and a “well-wisher” of the India-US relationship.

“He did play a very important role in concluding the conversation towards finalisation and announcement. I would like to recognise and respect his contribution,” the minister said.

Goyal also highlighted the continued engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, noting that regular dialogue between the two leaders helped steer negotiations.

He said the “spirit of friendship” between Modi and Trump provided direction to negotiating teams as they worked towards what he described as a fair and balanced outcome.

Emphasising the broader strategic ties between the two countries, the minister said the partnership extends beyond trade to defence cooperation, technology, critical minerals and multilateral groupings such as the Quad. He added that the agreement would further cement long-term strategic goals while opening opportunities in each country’s areas of strength.

India and the United States recently announced a framework for an interim reciprocal trade agreement as part of a larger Bilateral Trade Agreement process launched by the two leaders last year.

Under the framework, India has agreed to eliminate or reduce tariffs on a wide range of US industrial, agricultural and food products, while Washington will impose an 18 per cent reciprocal tariff on several Indian goods, with plans to later remove duties on select items such as generic pharmaceuticals, gems and aircraft parts.

The joint statement also noted India’s intention to purchase US energy, aircraft, technology products and coking coal worth $500 billion over the next five years.

*With ANI inputs