US and India Near Trade Agreement as Final Negotiating Hurdles Remain

With 99 percent of a bilateral trade deal finalized, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor says the final one percent consists primarily of legal technicalities. During a brief visit to New Delhi, the envoy expressed optimism about closing the gap while praising the tenacity of the Indian negotiating team.

Ambassador Gor declined to disclose specific sticking points, maintaining that public negotiations would be counterproductive at this stage. He emphasized that the remaining items are narrow in scope, focusing on implementation timelines and complex legal language rather than fundamental policy shifts. During his visit, Gor is scheduled to meet with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to address these final administrative details.

Reflecting on the duration of the talks, Gor credited India's representatives for their firm approach, noting that their ability to hold the line has historically made trade agreements challenging for international partners. He drew a parallel to the European Union’s 19-year effort to finalize a deal with India, underscoring the persistence required to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement. Despite these past complexities, the ambassador remains confident that the current discussions are nearing a successful conclusion.