India-US Ties Stronger Than Critics Claim, Says US Ambassador Sergio Gor

June 30, 2026

Washington: The India-US relationship remains on a strong footing despite public speculation to the contrary, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said, citing expanding cooperation in trade, defence, technology and people-to-people ties.

Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, Gor dismissed suggestions that bilateral ties had weakened, saying the facts clearly pointed in the opposite direction.

“So to all those pundits that sit online and tweet and say, this relationship is in trouble, when you look at the facts of where this relationship stands, whether it’s trade, whether it’s defense, whether it’s the people-to-people ties, the relationship is on strong footing,” Gor said.

Cooperation Expanding Across Multiple Sectors

Gor said both governments remain committed to strengthening collaboration across virtually every major sector.

“In the six months that I’ve been in India, I’ve seen the incredible potential. And that incredible potential is in every sector. There’s not a day that goes by that a new item pops up for our two countries to work together,” he said.

Highlighting areas of cooperation, Gor said India and the United States have enormous opportunities in artificial intelligence, technology, defence and several emerging sectors.

“You name the sector and the United States and India can work together and take it to an incredible height. Whether that’s AI, technology or defence, it’s unlimited potential,” he added.

The ambassador also said President Donald Trump places great importance on the bilateral relationship and continues to regard India as a key strategic partner.

“The United States wants to work hand in hand with India. We care about this relationship. We have a president who deeply cares about this relationship,” Gor said, recalling Trump’s positive memories of his previous visit to India.

Trade, Defence and Strategic Trust

Emphasising the growing economic partnership, Gor noted that bilateral trade has increased from USD 20 billion to USD 220 billion over the past two decades.

He referred to the ambitious target announced by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise bilateral trade to USD 500 billion in the coming years.

“What President Trump and Prime Minister Modi announced as a bilateral trade goal of USD 500 billion over the next few years, that’s an astounding number that is unmatched,” he said.

On defence cooperation, Gor said India conducts more military exercises with the United States than any other country.

“Every single month there’s something happening, whether it’s Indian troops coming here or US troops going into the region,” he remarked.

The ambassador also cited India’s inclusion among the first countries invited to join the PAXSilica initiative, describing it as a reflection of the trust between the two nations.

Partnership to Shape the Future

Gor said the next two years would be crucial in defining the long-term trajectory of India-US relations.

“These next two years will set the relationship on a path for several decades ahead. What we sow now will continue to sustain us decades ahead,” he said.

He added that the US Embassy in New Delhi is focused on delivering tangible outcomes by working closely with businesses in both countries to promote trade, investment and commercial opportunities.

Over the past two decades, India and the United States have steadily expanded their strategic partnership beyond defence and diplomacy into areas including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy, critical technologies and resilient supply chains.

The relationship is further strengthened by a vibrant Indian diaspora in the United States, increasing business-to-business engagement and growing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific through initiatives such as the Quad. Both governments continue to describe the partnership as one of the defining strategic relationships of the 21st century.