India and the United States will hold their next trade discussion on January 13, Washington’s new ambassador to New Delhi, Sergio Gor, said on Monday. The talks come amid stalled negotiations that contributed to a record-low Indian rupee and investor uncertainty.
Gor confirmed that both sides remain actively engaged on trade, while also addressing other issues such as security, counterterrorism, energy, technology, education, and health. He said India will also be invited to join Pax Silica, a U.S.-led initiative for a silicon supply chain from critical minerals to semiconductors and AI.
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The two nations have repeatedly approached a trade deal since negotiations began in February last year. However, a breakdown last year, followed by increased U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, stalled progress despite India pledging to buy U.S. energy and increase defense imports.
Gor’s comments lifted market sentiment, with the Nifty 50 index rising 220 points to trade 0.15% higher. Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that talks with Washington for a trade deal continue. The goal remains to bridge the $47 billion goods trade gap.
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Ambassador Gor emphasized the long-standing U.S.-India relationship, saying, “Real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end.” Both countries aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.