US Ambassador Gor Confirms Ongoing India‑US Trade Talks Amid Tariff Dispute

Updated 2026-01-12 08:39:20+00:00 (3 articles)

Gor’s Arrival and Immediate Diplomatic Agenda Sergio Gor landed in New Delhi on 9 January 2026 and will formally assume his post on 12 January, marking the start of his ambassadorial duties [1][3]. He told reporters that a follow‑up call on the trade pact is scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday, though he did not disclose participants [1]. Gor’s presence follows a 2025 visit to Washington by ministers Piyush Goyal and S. Jaishankar, underscoring sustained high‑level engagement [3].

Tariff Measures Remain Core Negotiation Obstacle The United States has imposed 50 percent tariffs on a range of Indian goods, a penalty tied to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil [1]. Washington is pressing for broader access to India’s agricultural market, while Indian officials continue to protect existing farm‑policy protections [1]. The tariff dispute is repeatedly cited as the principal barrier to finalizing the bilateral trade agreement [1].

Both Capitals Claim Ongoing Progress, Assign Blame Differently U.S. officials have publicly suggested that India is responsible for the delay in signing the pact, a charge the Indian government rejects, insisting that negotiations remain active on both sides [1]. The ambassador emphasized that the overall U.S.–India relationship stays strong despite the disagreement [1]. No side has presented exclusive responsibility, and both ministries report that talks are proceeding toward a resolution [1].

India Reasserts Commitment to a Balanced Trade Pact The Ministry of External Affairs countered U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s claim that Prime Minister Modi had not contacted former President Trump, reaffirming India’s demand for a “balanced” agreement [2][3]. Indian officials highlighted that previous ministerial visits to Washington in 2025 laid groundwork for a mutually beneficial deal [3]. The MEA’s statement underscores Delhi’s insistence on equitable terms rather than unilateral concessions [2].

Parallel Diplomatic Moves Highlight Regional Complexity On 10 January, Taliban‑appointed diplomat Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor arrived in Delhi to head the Afghan embassy, marking the first such appointment in India [2]. The Indian Parliament’s Budget Session is set to begin on 28 January, framing the trade talks within a broader domestic policy calendar [2]. These concurrent developments illustrate the multifaceted diplomatic environment surrounding the trade negotiations [2].

Sources

Timeline

Oct 2025 – Ambassador‑designate Sergio Gor visits India for six days, meets Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, and lays groundwork for his upcoming ambassadorship [2].

Nov 2025 – Gor is sworn in at the White House as U.S. ambassador to India, though he has not yet presented his credentials to the Indian president [1].

2025 – The United States imposes 50 % tariffs on Indian goods and ties penalties to India’s purchases of Russian oil, creating a major obstacle in the bilateral trade talks [1].

2025 – Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar travel to Washington for follow‑up discussions on the U.S.–India trade pact, signaling continued high‑level engagement [2].

2025 – President Trump backs a tariff bill allowing up to 500 % tariffs on certain oil buyers and withdraws the United States from the International Solar Alliance, shifting U.S. trade and energy policy ahead of Gor’s arrival [2].

Jan 9, 2026 – Ambassador‑designate Sergio Gor lands in New Delhi, announces he will assume his post on Jan 12, and stresses “opportunities ahead” despite ongoing trade frictions [2].

Jan 10, 2026 – India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterates its commitment to a balanced U.S.–India trade pact, rejecting Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s claim that Prime Minister Modi failed to call former President Trump to finalize the deal [3].

Jan 10, 2026 – Taliban‑appointed diplomat Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor arrives in Delhi to take charge of the Afghan embassy, marking the first Taliban representative to oversee the mission in India [3].

Jan 12, 2026 – Ambassador Sergio Gor tells reporters that trade talks continue, a follow‑up call is set for Tuesday, and he warns the partnership could become one of the century’s most consequential despite tariff disputes [1].

Jan 12, 2026 – Gor notes that U.S. officials blame India for delays in the trade agreement, while Delhi denies exclusive responsibility, underscoring the diplomatic tug‑of‑war over the pact [1].

Jan 12, 2026 – Gor highlights that the United States seeks greater access to India’s agricultural market, a sticking point as India resists changes to its farm policies [1].

Jan 28, 2026 (expected) – India’s Parliament convenes the Budget Session, running until April 2, with the national budget slated for February, providing a fiscal backdrop for the trade negotiations [3].

2026 (future) – The Union Public Service Commission announces that all candidates will undergo face authentication at exam venues, reflecting heightened security measures in India’s civil‑service recruitment [3].