Washington and New Delhi are close to finalizing an agreement on critical minerals, with a major announcement expected in the coming months, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore said on Friday.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Gaur said the agreement will help secure supply chains needed for advanced manufacturing, energy systems and emerging technologies.
“I’m pleased to say that we are very close to finalizing critical mineral agreements to help secure the supply chains needed for advanced manufacturing, energy systems and emerging technologies. Stay tuned, and in the next few months, we expect a big announcement.”
He said the US-India relationship has the potential to reach “historic heights,” pointing to recent breakthroughs including an interim trade agreement aimed at strengthening economic ties.
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Sergio Gore talks about “breakthroughs” between the United States and India
Sergio Jor said that within a few months, both countries will have achieved real results, reflecting the political desire of both governments to translate opportunity into direct results.
“We are seeing something different. Instead of collapse, we are seeing breakthroughs. We have already seen a remarkable series of breakthroughs that demonstrate the strength and momentum of the US-India partnership,” he said.
He added, “The relationship has the potential to reach historic levels and achieve results on a scale we have never seen before.”
Breakthroughs in trade, trust and technology
Gore also highlighted recent achievements, “First, a breakthrough in trade. Second, a breakthrough in trust and technology, and third, a breakthrough in strategic coordination. Each reflects the direction in which the US-India partnership is headed.”
Speaking about the interim trade agreement between India and the US, Gaur said, “The size of our economy, the talent of our people and the entrepreneurial energy of both communities make the possibilities very clear. What we needed was the momentum and political will to translate the opportunity into immediate results. Today, we have begun to unlock the potential.”
“This partnership is not about tariffs and market access, but also about securing the resources and supply chains that will define the global economy of the future,” he added.
India and the United States announced on February 7 that they had reached a framework for an interim agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade. The framework reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to negotiating a broader US-India bilateral trade agreement (BTA), which will include additional commitments to market access and support more resilient supply chains.
Meanwhile, the United States will apply an 18% reciprocal tariff rate under Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, as amended, on goods of Indian origin. These include textiles, clothing, leather, footwear, plastic and rubber products, organic chemicals, home decor, craft products, and some machinery.
