US-India Trade Agreement Nears Completion, Says Ambassador Gor

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, announced that the Bilateral Trade Agreement between the US and India is 99% complete, with only minor details pending. He expressed optimism about finalizing the deal, which is expected to benefit both nations. Gor also highlighted the strong relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi as a key factor in the swift progress of the negotiations. Additionally, he addressed concerns regarding the US-Iran conflict, emphasizing the US's firm stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions. Read on for more insights into this significant trade development.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2026, 21:22 IST

Progress on Bilateral Trade Agreement

On Wednesday, the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, addressed the anticipated Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between India and the United States, indicating that the negotiations are "99 percent complete." He mentioned that both countries are diligently working on finalizing the remaining "one percent." Speaking at CITI's 2026 India Conference in Mumbai, Gor expressed strong optimism regarding the deal's imminent conclusion, stating, "We are 99% there, and we are optimistic that this will be finalized soon. It will benefit both the US and India," as reported by various news outlets.

Ambassador Gor elaborated that the outstanding issues primarily involve technical legal language and implementation schedules. He emphasized the necessity for both parties to make concessions to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome, commending India's skilled negotiators for their efforts.

Earlier this week, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, echoed Gor's sentiments, confirming that "99 percent of the deal is finalized." During a press conference, Goyal stated, "All major points have been settled. I am confident that we will soon finalize the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement with the US and then move forward with discussions for a more comprehensive agreement in the future."

Gor Discusses Modi-Trump Relations

Ambassador Gor is scheduled to return to New Delhi for discussions with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, accompanied by a significant US trade delegation that is currently engaging with India's Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of External Affairs. Addressing concerns regarding the trade deal, Gor emphasized the strong personal relationship between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attributing the swift progress of the trade agreement to their growing rapport.

Gor Comments on US-Iran Tensions

In response to inquiries about the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, as well as rising global energy prices, Gor defended the US stance, attributing the situation to Tehran's "reckless regime" for its actions against neighboring Gulf states and its impact on global trade through its control of the Strait of Hormuz. He reiterated the US's firm opposition to Iran's nuclear ambitions, labeling it a non-negotiable issue for the Trump administration. Gor warned, "If those ICBMs were nuclear-armed, the devastation would be catastrophic. The US cannot allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons, as it would create another terrorist state in the Middle East capable of threatening its neighbors."