New Delhi, February 9: Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday credited United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor for the successful conclusion of the framework for the India–US interim trade agreement, praising his “support and personal leadership” in strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Speaking at a reception hosted at Ambassador Gor’s residence in the national capital, Goyal said the agreement would not have been possible without the Ambassador’s active involvement.
“I must place on record that the trade deal would not have been possible but for his support and his personal leadership in the entire engagement. Thank you very much, Sergio, for all that you have done to further strengthen this bond between the United States and India,” the Commerce Minister said.
Goyal also wished Ambassador Gor a pleasant tenure in India, noting that the country’s warmth and hospitality would make his assignment an enriching experience.
“I wish you well in your assignment. I wish you have a wonderful stay in India. You will meet wonderful people across the country who would love to know you and work with the United States of America. Without a doubt, I can tell you that this country, with all its warm hospitality, will be great fun to work in and to travel around,” he added.
Ambassador Gor presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 14, formally assuming office as the 27th United States Ambassador to India.
Earlier, in an interview with ANI, Goyal had credited Ambassador Gor with playing a “very important role” in concluding the framework for the India–US interim trade agreement. He described Gor as a “dear friend” and a “well-wisher” of the India–US relationship.
“I have no hesitation in acknowledging that Ambassador Sergio Gor has been a well-wisher of this relationship. He did play a very important role in concluding the conversation towards finalisation and announcement, and I would like to recognise and respect his contribution,” Goyal said.
India and the United States recently announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal, mutually beneficial trade, reaffirming their commitment to a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) launched by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025.
Under the framework, India has agreed to eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US agricultural and food products, including dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products.
The United States, in turn, will impose a reciprocal tariff of 18 per cent on goods originating from India, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber products, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal goods, and certain machinery. Subject to the successful conclusion of the interim agreement, the US has said it will later remove reciprocal tariffs on select items, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts.
India has also indicated its intent to purchase USD 500 billion worth of US energy products, aircraft and aircraft parts, precious metals, technology products, and coking coal over the next five years.
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