New Delhi witnessed a pivotal diplomatic engagement on Thursday as US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor held talks with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The discussions centered on strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two nations, with a special focus on the recently finalized India-US trade deal.
Post-meeting, Ambassador Gor took to X to share his enthusiasm. ‘Always a pleasure meeting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Had a great discussion on advancing the US-India partnership. With the trade deal finalized, the opportunities ahead are endless!’ he posted.
This comes on the heels of last week’s announcement of a mutually beneficial interim trade framework between India and the United States. The move is designed to propel negotiations toward a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement (BTA). Notably, the White House confirmed a reduction in tariffs on Indian product imports from 25% to 18%, signaling a thaw in trade relations.
A joint statement highlighted the agreement on this framework, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to the broader BTA talks launched in February 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. This development follows nearly a year of trade tensions, culminating in the February 2 announcement by PM Modi and President Trump of a consensus on the trade deal.
PM Modi expressed delight on X, stating, ‘Spoke with my dear friend President Trump today. Thrilled to learn that tariffs on ‘Made in India’ products will now be reduced to 18%. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, heartfelt thanks to President Trump for this excellent announcement.’
He further emphasized the power of collaboration between two major economies and the world’s largest democracies. ‘When we work together, our people benefit, and immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation open up,’ Modi added. Praising Trump’s leadership for global peace, stability, and prosperity, Modi affirmed India’s full support and eagerness to elevate their partnership to new heights.
This meeting underscores the robust momentum in India-US ties, particularly in trade, as both nations navigate global economic challenges. Analysts see the tariff cut as a game-changer for Indian exporters, potentially boosting sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT hardware. With the interim framework in place, expectations are high for swift progress on the full BTA, promising deeper economic integration.