U.S., India Near Agreement on Critical Minerals Supply Chains, Ambassador Says
NEW DELHI — The United States and India are nearing completion of a key agreement on critical minerals that could strengthen strategic cooperation and secure supply chains between the two countries, U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor said Friday.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026, Gor said the growing engagement between Washington and New Delhi reflects a partnership that extends beyond traditional trade ties. His comments come days after the two countries agreed on a framework for a Bilateral Trade Agreement aimed at expanding economic cooperation.
“The US and India are paying close attention to each other, which reflects something deeper — a partnership that is continuing to grow stronger,” Gor said, adding that the relationship is entering a new phase of strategic collaboration.
He said ties between the two nations could reach “global heights” under President Donald Trump.
“What was needed was momentum and opportunities, and we are now moving towards unlocking those opportunities and that potential,” he said.
Gor emphasized that the partnership is not limited to tariff negotiations or market access but also involves securing the resources and supply chains that will shape the global economy in the coming decades.
“This partnership is not just about tariffs or market access, but also about securing resources and supply chains that will define the global economy of the future,” he said.
Critical minerals, which are essential for advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and emerging technologies, have become a central pillar of cooperation between the two countries.
“One of the most important areas of cooperation between our countries is critical minerals. Reliable and diversified supply chains for critical minerals are indispensable to both economic growth and national security,” Gor said.
According to the ambassador, Washington and New Delhi are close to finalizing an agreement that would help secure these supply chains and support technological and industrial development.
“Within the next few months, there will be a big announcement on this front,” he said.
Gor also highlighted expanding cooperation in high-technology sectors, including semiconductors. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated new facilities in India’s semiconductor sector, reflecting growing collaboration between the two countries.
“The US is also a reliable supplier of LNG, and we are ready to help support India’s growing energy needs in the years ahead,” he said.
During his remarks, Gor also referred to the latest cover of India Today magazine featuring President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it had drawn attention from the White House.
“I took a picture of the cover and sent it to President Trump, and he posted it on Truth Social,” he said. (Source: IANS)
