 "Trump repeated his optimism that a deal was near, saying, \"We're getting close.\" (File Photo/Reuters)")
President Donald Trump, on Monday, said the United States is close to finalising a trade deal with India that will expand economic and security ties, boost American energy exports, and encourage investments in key sectors. Trump made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of Sergio Gor as the new US Ambassador to India and special envoy to South and Central Asia.
“We’re making a deal with India. Much different than we had. Right now they don’t love me but they will love us again. We’re getting a fair deal. They’re very good negotiators, so Sergio, you will have to take a look at that. I think we’re pretty close to doing a deal that is good for everybody,” Trump told reporters.
He also noted that tariffs on Indian imports may be reduced soon, citing India’s substantial reduction in Russian oil purchases. “Well, right now, the tariffs are very high on India because of the Russian oil, and they’ve stopped doing the Russian oil. It’s been reduced very substantially. Yeah, we’re going to be bringing the tariffs down. At some point, we’re going to be bringing them down,” he added.
Ambassador Gor sworn in amid strategic partnership talks
Sergio Gor was formally sworn in by Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office. The ceremony was attended by key officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro.
Trump praised India as “one of the world’s oldest civilisations” and the largest country in the world, with over 1.5 billion people. He expressed confidence that Gor would strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and India, noting, “We have a fantastic relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and Sergio has already enhanced that because he’s become friendly with the Prime Minister.”