New Delhi: The proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement is now in its final stage, with negotiators resolving the remaining legal issues before the pact can be concluded. United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said only the last one to two percent of the agreement remains under discussion, signaling that both countries are close to finalizing the long-awaited deal.
Speaking at the IX US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit 2026, Gor said negotiations have progressed significantly over the past 18 months despite a temporary setback caused by a recent judicial intervention.
Most Of The Agreement Already Finalized
According to the ambassador, the majority of the trade pact has been completed, with only a few outstanding issues requiring consensus from both governments. He noted that recent discussions led by US Trade Representative Jamieson Lee Greer in New Delhi helped maintain momentum and pushed negotiations closer to completion.
Gor explained that trade agreements of this scale involve thousands of product categories and extensive legal drafting, making the final stages particularly detailed. Despite the complexity, he expressed confidence that both sides would be able to conclude the negotiations soon.
Trade Pact Seen As Beneficial For Both Nations
The envoy said President Donald Trump continues to support stronger economic ties with India and views the proposed agreement as beneficial for both countries. He added that the US administration remains committed to building a mutually rewarding partnership with New Delhi.
Highlighting the broader economic relationship, Gor revealed that the US Mission in India has facilitated approximately $20.5 billion in new investments into the United States this year. He also pointed out that while the India-US negotiations have lasted around a year and a half, similar trade agreements elsewhere have taken much longer, citing the European trade deal that required nearly two decades to conclude.
Technology, Defense And AI To Drive Future Partnership
During his remarks, Gor also shared details of a recent meeting with President Trump in Washington, where discussions focused on India, trade and the growing strategic partnership between the two democracies. He said the US President continues to hold positive memories of India and remains interested in expanding bilateral engagement.
Looking ahead, the ambassador identified artificial intelligence, advanced technology and defense cooperation as key pillars of future collaboration. He said both governments continue to explore new opportunities to deepen cooperation, while the proposed first phase of the bilateral trade agreement is expected to improve market access, reduce tariff barriers and pave the way for a broader economic partnership in the coming years.
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