The relationship between the United States and India is witnessing a phase of “breakthroughs rather than breakdowns”, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Friday while speaking at a media Conclave in the national capital, highlighting major developments in trade, technology cooperation and strategic coordination between the two countries.
Gor said the current global environment is marked by geopolitical tensions, technological disruption and economic uncertainty, but the US-India partnership is moving in the opposite direction.
“Around the world these forces are testing institutions, reshaping economies and challenging governments to adapt. But in the relationship between the United States and India, we are seeing something different. Instead of breakdowns, we are seeing breakthroughs,” Gor said.
The envoy said that in the short time since he arrived in India, the two countries have made significant progress across several areas. “I’ve now been in India for a little over two months, and in that short time we have already seen a remarkable series of breakthroughs that demonstrate the strength and momentum of the US-India partnership,” he said.
Gor said a major breakthrough has been the progress towards a new US-India trade agreement, which he described as a “win-win” arrangement for both economies. “This agreement reflects a principle that President Trump has made central to American diplomacy, reciprocity. Reciprocity means fair trade, mutual respect and shared prosperity,” he said.
According to the envoy, negotiations moved quickly compared with other global trade agreements. “The only two deal-makers who got this done are President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. One of the reasons it happened is their deep and personal friendship,” Gor said.
The ambassador also revealed that Washington and New Delhi are nearing the final stages of a critical minerals agreement aimed at securing supply chains for advanced technologies.
“We are moving to a very close stage of finalising a critical minerals agreement that will help secure the supply chains needed for advanced manufacturing, energy systems and emerging technologies,” he said.
He noted that cooperation in semiconductors is already producing results. “American companies and Indian talent can work together to build the industries of the future. That is a win-win and the two hands working together for the advancement and greater good of both our nations,” Gor said.
Energy collaboration between the two countries is also expanding rapidly, the envoy said, pointing to opportunities in LNG, nuclear energy and emerging technologies such as carbon capture.
He also highlighted a US-led technology initiative called Pax Silica, aimed at creating a secure technology ecosystem across the semiconductor and AI supply chain. “India was one of the first countries the United States reached out to and invited to join Pax Silica. That reflects the level of trust we place in India as a technology partner,” he said.
During the interactive session, Gor addressed questions about uncertainty surrounding the trade agreement after a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States affecting certain global trade tools used by the administration.
He said the ruling does not undermine the broader framework of trade agreements. “The Supreme Court ruled on a very specific part of our trade laws, but there are dozens of other tools at the President’s disposal. We fully expect the nations that we’ve made deals with to honour those deals,” he said.
Responding to questions about India’s purchases of Russian oil, the envoy said the geopolitical environment has evolved due to rising tensions in West Asia. “Today we are in a different environment.
Iran is trying to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and targeting commercial vessels. India is a vital partner to ensure global oil prices remain stable,” he said.
On the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Gor reiterated Washington’s position that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. “The President has been very clear, we cannot have a nuclear Iran. What we are seeing now is reckless and dangerous behaviour that threatens stability across the region,” he said.
