India and US not that far apart on trade deal: US ambassador-designate Gor

India is one of the top relationships US has in world today: Secretary of State Rubio

- MPOST BUREAU

US ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday that protectionist policies and regulatory barriers in India have restrained the full potential of US-India economic and strategic ties. If confirmed, he said, he will work to advance trade that is fair, reciprocal, and beneficial to American businesses and workers.

Gor described India as a "strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond" and expressed optimism that ongoing trade negotiations could soon yield tangible results.

Introducing Gor at the hearing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called India "one of the top relationships the US has in the world today" and described the current phase in bilateral ties as a period of "extraordinary transition". Rubio underlined Gor's close relationship with President Donald Trump, stressing that his direct access to the Oval Office would be critical in navigating complex issues across trade, defence, energy, and technology cooperation. "Having a representative in a place like India who has the direct ear and confidence of the President is critically important," Rubio said, adding that he knew of no one better positioned than Gor to advance American interests in New Delhi.

Gor, 38, would become the youngest US ambassador to India if confirmed. At the hearing, he highlighted the ongoing negotiations between the two nations, noting that Indian and American officials were working on the detailed framework of a trade deal. He said President Trump had invited India's commerce and trade ministers to Washington next week to meet US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, signalling hope for a resolution in the coming weeks.