US Calls India a ‘Tough Negotiator’, Urges Partners to Honour Trade Deals
US envoy highlights growing cooperation with India in trade, energy, defence and critical minerals
New Delhi, Mar 13: The United States has described India as a “tough negotiator” in trade discussions and said it expects New Delhi and other global partners to uphold agreements reached with Washington.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said India plays a strong role during trade negotiations.
“India is a tough negotiator,” Gor remarked during the discussion, adding that countries entering into agreements with the United States are expected to respect and implement the commitments made.
He noted that the recent trade agreement between India and the United States was concluded relatively quickly compared with other negotiations involving New Delhi. According to the envoy, the deal was finalised within about a year, whereas negotiations between India and the European Union took nearly 19 years.
Describing the agreement as mutually beneficial, Gor said the deal would strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
The ambassador also acknowledged India’s role in maintaining stability in global energy markets amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
He appreciated India’s cooperation with Washington and the international community to ensure oil prices remain stable worldwide.
Highlighting broader strategic engagement, Gor said India and the United States are exploring collaboration in several advanced sectors, including modern engine technology, unmanned systems and expanded maintenance and repair operations within India.
He added that the two sides are moving closer to finalising an agreement on critical minerals, which are essential for advanced technologies and clean energy supply chains.
In the energy sector, Gor said American companies are prepared to support India’s plans to expand its civil nuclear power capacity as electricity demand continues to grow with the country’s expanding economy.
The envoy also reiterated Washington’s focus on strengthening regional partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, referring to efforts to revive the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue involving India, the United States, Japan and Australia.
