NEW DELHI, India — U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor met with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday to discuss advancing the bilateral partnership between the two countries, with a particular focus on the recently finalized India-U.S. trade agreement.
Following the meeting, Gor said the discussions underscored the growing opportunities in the relationship now that the trade framework has been put in place.
“Always a pleasure to meet with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. We had a great discussion on advancing the U.S.-India partnership. So many opportunities ahead now that the trade deal has been finalized,” Gor said in a post on X.
The meeting comes days after India and the United States announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade. The framework is intended to pave the way for negotiations toward a broader bilateral trade pact. As part of the announcement, the White House formally confirmed a reduction in tariffs on imports of Indian products from 25 percent to 18 percent.
According to a joint statement, the framework reaffirms both countries’ commitment to negotiating a U.S.-India Bilateral Trade Agreement. Formal talks on that agreement were launched by U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025. Officials said the interim deal is designed to deliver early outcomes and strengthen resilient supply chains.
“The Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone in our countries’ partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes,” the announcement said.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Modi held a telephone conversation with President Trump, after which he announced that tariffs on “Made in India” products entering the U.S. market would be reduced to 18 percent.
“Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 percent,” Modi said in a post on X at the time. “When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.”
Modi also emphasized India’s support for Trump’s global leadership, saying he looked forward to working closely with him to take the bilateral partnership to new heights. (Source: IANS)
