The India US trade agreement has reportedly entered its final phase, with negotiations between New Delhi and Washington nearing completion. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit in Washington, United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said only the final one or two per cent of the long-awaited bilateral trade agreement remains to be resolved.
The update came alongside a light-hearted anecdote involving US President Donald Trump, who reportedly once suggested calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 6 a.m., remarking that the Indian leader would already be awake because “he’s like me.” The comment, shared during discussions on the growing relationship between the two countries, has attracted widespread attention while underscoring the close personal rapport often highlighted between the two leaders.
According to Sergio Gor, negotiators from both governments have significantly intensified discussions in recent weeks, with officials travelling frequently between India and the United States to resolve the remaining issues in the India US trade agreement.
Sergio Gor says India-US trade deal is nearly complete
Providing an update on the negotiations, Sergio Gor said that most aspects of the India US trade agreement had already been finalised. He indicated that only a small number of outstanding issues remain on both sides before the agreement can be concluded.
According to Gor, the proposed agreement is designed to create a mutually beneficial framework that offers greater certainty to businesses operating between the two countries. He noted that recent weeks have seen accelerated diplomatic engagement aimed at bringing negotiations to a successful conclusion.
Trade experts believe the agreement could further strengthen commercial relations by improving market access, reducing trade barriers and encouraging investment across key sectors.
India-US partnership extends beyond trade
While discussing the progress of the India US trade negotiations, Sergio Gor also rejected suggestions that bilateral relations had weakened. He argued that the overall partnership remains strong across multiple areas, including defence cooperation, technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing and people-to-people exchanges.
His remarks reflected Washington’s broader view that India continues to be one of its most significant strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Analysts say expanding collaboration in advanced technologies and critical supply chains has become an increasingly important pillar of the bilateral relationship.
The growing focus on semiconductors, emerging technologies and defence manufacturing also aligns with both governments’ efforts to diversify global supply chains and deepen economic resilience.
Quad meetings and strategic cooperation remain a priority
Beyond the India US trade agreement, Sergio Gor confirmed that preparations are underway for several high-level diplomatic engagements involving the Quad grouping.
He said the Quad foreign ministers are expected to meet in the Philippines within the coming weeks, followed by another ministerial meeting in Australia. Officials are also preparing for a future Quad Leaders’ Summit, which is expected to include a visit to India by President Donald Trump.
Strategic affairs experts note that the Quad continues to play an increasingly prominent role in promoting maritime security, economic cooperation and regional stability across the Indo-Pacific.
Experts see positive momentum for bilateral ties
International trade specialists believe the near-completion of the India US trade agreement signals continued momentum in one of the world’s most important strategic partnerships. A comprehensive agreement could provide businesses with greater policy certainty while expanding opportunities in manufacturing, digital trade, clean energy, pharmaceuticals and high-technology sectors.
Foreign policy analysts also note that closer economic engagement complements broader cooperation in defence, artificial intelligence, critical technologies and geopolitical coordination through forums such as the Quad.
The combination of expanding commercial ties and sustained diplomatic engagement is viewed as reinforcing the long-term trajectory of India-US relations.
Final agreement could strengthen economic cooperation
With negotiators reportedly resolving the final outstanding issues, the India US trade agreement appears closer than ever to completion. If concluded, the pact would represent another major milestone in the rapidly expanding strategic relationship between New Delhi and Washington.
Alongside growing cooperation in technology, defence and regional security, the progress in the India US trade negotiations highlights both countries’ commitment to strengthening one of the world’s most significant bilateral partnerships. Observers will now watch closely for an official announcement confirming the completion and signing of the agreement.