Sunday 28 / June / 2026
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump is likely visit India in early 2027, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has confirmed, as Washington and New Delhi move closer to concluding a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement while expanding cooperation in energy, defence and technology.
The visit will be Trump's first to India since bilateral ties experienced friction following the United States' decision to impose tariffs exceeding 50 per cent on Indian imports.
Ambassador Gor said preparations for the presidential visit are already underway, reflecting the strategic importance Washington places on its partnership with India.
He said the relationship continues to benefit from the strong personal rapport between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also playing a key role in advancing bilateral cooperation.
"If you pick any item around the world, India and the United States are already partnered or will be partnered on it. Whether it's space, whether it's ocean, whether it's defence, whether it's pharmaceuticals, whether it's trade, no matter the item, the United States and India are working hand in hand," he said.
Highlighting defence ties, Gor noted that India conducts more military exercises with the United States than with any other country and also pointed to the growing economic relationship, saying India exports more to the United States than to any other nation.
The ambassador underscored the role of trust in strengthening bilateral relations, citing India's inclusion among the first countries invited to join the US-led "Pax Silica" initiative and the country's importance in supplying medicines to the American market.
"When the United States announced a new initiative called Pax Silica, India was one of the first 10 countries that we invited to join. That is because we trust India. When the United States needs medicine, 40 per cent of our generics today come from India. Why is that? Because we trust India," he said.
Gor also revealed that discussions on a bilateral trade agreement were progressing rapidly.
"Earlier this morning, I was in Delhi meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and with our Trade Representative. One of my first goals getting here was finalising a trade deal and we're very close to getting that finalised," he said.
The envoy also conveyed greetings from the White House and President Trump.
Reflecting on his personal connection with India, Gor said he first visited the country 15 years ago and has since remained impressed by its diversity and vibrancy.
"I've travelled all over the world. In fact, I've been to 95 countries. And when people would ask me, 'What are your favourite countries to visit?' India was always at the top of the list," he said.
"The United States is here because we trust you. The United States is here because we want to work with you," Gor added, reiterating Washington's commitment to further deepening ties with India.
Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral relations, the ambassador said, "I'm confident that 250 years from now, our two nations will be as good of friends, if not better, than we are today."
The event is organised to commemorate the 250th US Independence Day, bringing together diplomatic and cultural elements with participation from both Indian and American representatives. The US gained independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.
