US President Donald Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, struck an optimistic note on the long-pending trade agreement between Washington and New Delhi, saying that the two sides are now engaged in detailed discussions and “not that far apart” from finalizing a deal.

Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Gor emphasized that the contours of the agreement are largely in place and only “nitty-gritty” issues remain to be worked out. He underlined that the United States places higher expectations on India compared to other nations, describing it as a reflection of the depth of the bilateral partnership. “We hold our friends to different standards,” he remarked, adding that the US sees India not only as a trading partner but also as a strategic ally.

Gor disclosed that President Trump has extended an invitation to India’s commerce and trade ministers to visit Washington next week for discussions with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. The meeting, he said, is expected to pave the way for a formal conclusion to the trade deal, which has been under negotiation for several years.

Addressing concerns over tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Gor argued that Washington should apply a consistent approach toward both China and India. “I hope you will encourage that we treat China in the same way as we treat India, given what they’re doing to fund Russia’s war machine,” he told lawmakers.

The remarks come at a time when US-India trade relations have faced strain due to tariff disputes and disagreements over market access. However, Gor’s comments signal a renewed momentum, with Washington seeking to balance its economic expectations from New Delhi alongside broader geopolitical considerations.

US President Donald Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, struck an optimistic note on the long-pending trade agreement between Washington and New Delhi, saying that the two sides are now engaged in detailed discussions and “not that far apart” from finalizing a deal.

Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Gor emphasized that the contours of the agreement are largely in place and only “nitty-gritty” issues remain to be worked out. He underlined that the United States places higher expectations on India compared to other nations, describing it as a reflection of the depth of the bilateral partnership. “We hold our friends to different standards,” he remarked, adding that the US sees India not only as a trading partner but also as a strategic ally.

Gor disclosed that President Trump has extended an invitation to India’s commerce and trade ministers to visit Washington next week for discussions with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. The meeting, he said, is expected to pave the way for a formal conclusion to the trade deal, which has been under negotiation for several years.

Addressing concerns over tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Gor argued that Washington should apply a consistent approach toward both China and India. “I hope you will encourage that we treat China in the same way as we treat India, given what they’re doing to fund Russia’s war machine,” he told lawmakers.

The remarks come at a time when US-India trade relations have faced strain due to tariff disputes and disagreements over market access. However, Gor’s comments signal a renewed momentum, with Washington seeking to balance its economic expectations from New Delhi alongside broader geopolitical considerations.