WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Washington is nearing the final stages of a trade agreement with India, signaling progress in one of the United States’ most significant bilateral economic relationships.
“We are making a deal with India, much different deal than we had in the past… We’re getting a fair deal, just a fair trade deal. We’re getting close… I think we’re pretty close to doing a deal that’s good for everybody,” Trump said.
The remarks came during the swearing-in ceremony of Sergio Gor as the new U.S. Ambassador to India.
Trump emphasized the importance of relations between Washington and New Delhi, calling India one of America’s most vital international partners. He also highlighted his personal rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I’m trusting Sergio to help strengthen one of our country’s most important international relationships, and that’s the strategic partnership with the Republic of India. It’s a big deal. India is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the largest country in the world… We have a fantastic relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and Sergio has only enhanced that, because he’s become already friendly with the Prime Minister,” Trump said.
Gor, 38, was sworn in by Vice President JD Vance during a ceremony in the Oval Office, attended by senior administration officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Calling India an “amazing country,” Trump underlined its growing economic influence and strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region. “It’s also the fastest-growing middle class, and it’s an important economic and strategic security partner in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
Vice President Vance congratulated Gor and echoed Trump’s remarks. “You’re going to be a great ambassador and a great representative to the country of India, which the President and I both love,” he said.
Gor thanked Trump for entrusting him with the role and pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation. “I’ve been at your side for many years, and I will continue to be there, and it’s just an incredible honor, and I look forward to enhancing the relationship between our two nations,” he said.
Confirmed by the U.S. Senate in October, Gor is the youngest U.S. ambassador to India and a close aide to Trump, previously serving as Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office during the administration’s transition. (Source: IANS)
