New US envoy raises hope of deal

TRADE TALKS BETWEEN India and the US fell apart and Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods in August 2025 to 50%, among the world's highest rates, including a punitive levy of 25% for New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil.

- 

India's exports to the US plunged since May, only to recover moderately in November, as exporters from various sectors struggled to retain customers even while margins have reduced to wafer-thin levels and large-scale job losses occurred in labour-intensive sectors like gems & jewellery and textiles.

Addressing the media and staff on his first day in office, Gor said:“Real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end ... Remember, it (India) is the world's largest nation so it's not an easy task to get this across the finish line but we are determined to get there.I also hope that the President (Donald Trump) will be visiting India soon, hopefully next year or two," the ambassador said.

"Last week, our great secretary of State, Marco Rubio, powerfully stated that this year will be a year of reciprocity. We are raising the standard for diplomacy itself. That means fair trade, mutual respect, and shared security," Gor said.