US Envoy Credits Trump–Modi Ties for Trade Deal

Sergio Gor said that the personal relationship between Narendra Modi and Donald Trump played a key role in finalising the India-US trade agreement. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026, Gor said the two leaders were the main dealmakers who pushed the agreement to completion.

Gor explained that the strong personal bond between the two leaders helped both sides overcome difficult negotiations. He described India as a reliable and important partner for the United States and said the agreement showed the strength of ties between the two countries.

India and the United States reached the trade deal last month after almost a year of negotiations. During that period, relations between the two nations had become tense. The agreement eventually led the US to reduce tariffs on several Indian imports to 18 percent from the earlier 50 percent level.

Tensions had risen earlier when Trump criticised India for buying Russian oil. The US had argued that the purchases helped fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. As a result, Washington imposed an additional 25 percent tariff and strong comments followed from US officials. Trump had even described India as a “dead economy” during the dispute.

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Despite the sharp disagreements, both sides continued negotiations. The recent agreement has now helped ease tensions and improve economic cooperation between the two countries.

US Envoy Credits Trump–Modi Bond for Trade Pact

Sergio Gor said the strong relationship between Narendra Modi and Donald Trump played an important role in completing the India-US trade deal. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026, Gor noted that the friendship between the two leaders goes back several years.

He said Prime Minister Modi continued to stay in touch with Trump even when he was not in the White House. According to Gor, Trump viewed this gesture as a sign of genuine friendship. He added that this personal connection helped both sides move forward and resolve key issues during the negotiations.

Gor also admitted that the talks were challenging. He described India as a tough negotiator but praised the Modi government for protecting the country’s national interests while working toward a balanced agreement.

The US envoy called the final trade pact a “win-win” deal for both countries. He also pointed out that the agreement was completed in about a year, which was faster than many other international trade negotiations.

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