US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor met Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal in New Delhi on Sunday, holding discussions on the state of economic and trade ties between India and the United States. The meeting comes at a crucial time, with both nations engaged in re-engaged negotiations on a trade understanding following months of strained relations over tariffs and visa policies.
According to a statement shared by the US Embassy in India, Gor and Agarwal discussed ways to deepen bilateral trade, boost investment flows, and enhance cooperation in strategic economic sectors.
“During my visit to India, I met with Commerce Secretary Agrawal and discussed US-India economic ties, including increased investment in the United States,” the ambassador-designate’s office said in a post on X.
Gor also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, marking his first formal engagement with the Indian leadership since his nomination as ambassador. In a social media post, Gor said, “An honour to be with PM Narendra Modi this evening. Our relationship with India will only strengthen over the months ahead!”
Prime Minister Modi, in his post following the meeting, expressed optimism about the new envoy’s tenure. “Glad to receive Sergio Gor, Ambassador-designate of the US to India. I’m confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi wrote.
The meeting comes as both governments attempt to stabilise relations that have faced turbulence in due to Washington’s trade measures and visa restrictions.
DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENTS WITH INDIAN OFFICIALS
Gor’s visit also included meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
“Met with EAM S Jaishankar today in New Delhi. We had a positive conversation on a range of issues. I look forward to working closely with Jaishankar to deepen our strategic partnership and make our countries more secure and prosperous,” the US Embassy said in a statement.
During his talks with NSA Doval, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific, a principle that remains central to the bilateral agenda. “A pleasure to spend time with National Security Advisor Doval today. The US and India remain committed to working together to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the embassy added.
Following these meetings, Gor reiterated that the United States “values its relationship with India” and will continue to seek cooperation across economic, technological, and security domains.
TRADE NEGOTIATIONS REGAIN MOMENTUM
The meetings come against the backdrop of renewed trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington, which have resumed after a brief pause. Talks had previously stalled after the Trump administration doubled tariffs on Indian goods, raising them to 50 per cent, and introduced an additional 25 per cent duty on imports linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.
New Delhi described those measures as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” calling for their immediate withdrawal. The dispute further escalated after Washington’s revised H-1B visa policy.
However, recent phone conversations between Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump have rekindled optimism that both sides could reach a mutually beneficial trade understanding. Officials familiar with the talks said negotiators are working toward a framework that could expand market access, lower tariff barriers, and boost bilateral investment.
Sergio Gor, who previously served as White House personnel director and is considered a close ally of President Trump, was nominated as the next US ambassador to India in August.
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With inputs from agencies
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