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The US-India trade deal is in its "final steps," with only the last one percent of negotiations left to be concluded, said US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Tuesday, expressing confidence that the agreement would soon be sealed after nearly 18 months of talks. His remarks were reported by both Deutsche Welle and The Hindu.

Coverage Comparison

Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit in Washington, Gor said he was determined to conclude the agreement as it would be beneficial to both nations. "We are in the final steps on this deal. Most of this deal is complete. There's a few items that remain on both sides. It's in the last 1% of that deal," he said. The US envoy was bullish about the bilateral relationship and cited the personal equation between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he said was driving the ties.

Gor also noted that the President has "very fond memories" of his visit to India and continues to talk about it. "His visit last time, it was one of his most remarkable visits that he continues to talk about. He holds it in a very fond place. It's an incredible thing. So I look forward to … having the President visit us back in India," Gor said.

Both Deutsche Welle and The Hindu — World attributed these comments to Ambassador Gor, with The Hindu providing more detail on his remarks about President Trump's memories. Deutsche Welle also noted India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's earlier claim that 99% of the trade deal negotiations were complete.

Key Claims

  • The US-India trade deal is in its final steps, with only 1% of the deal remaining to be concluded, as reported by both Deutsche Welle and The Hindu.
  • US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor expressed confidence in concluding the deal, a claim carried by both outlets.
  • India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal claimed that 99% of the trade deal negotiations were complete, a claim reported by Deutsche Welle.
  • US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced negotiations for the US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement in February 2025, as reported by both outlets.
  • US President Donald Trump has fond memories of his visit to India, a claim attributed to Ambassador Gor and reported by The Hindu.
  • The Quad Foreign Ministers are scheduled to meet in the Philippines in about two weeks, an announcement made by Ambassador Gor and reported by The Hindu.

Perspectives

US Ambassador's Viewpoint

Ambassador Gor expressed optimism about concluding the trade deal, emphasizing its benefits for both nations and the personal rapport between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. He also highlighted the President's positive memories of his visit to India, suggesting a strong bilateral relationship.