Washington, DC [US], June 30 (ANI): US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has stated that Washington is actively coordinating a state visit by President Donald Trump to India, noting the trip is unlikely before the US midterm elections in November. Speaking to ANI, Gor confirmed that preliminary arrangements are underway following an official invitation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bilateral dialogue in France.
Timing of the Visit
Gor emphasized that the visit would not occur during the midterm election period. "It's not any time during the midterms... When the Prime Minister met him in France, the Indian side brought it up that he has been invited. We would love to make that happen sooner rather than later," he said. Gor also revealed that PM Modi is expected to travel to the US for the G20 Summit in December 2026, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has formally invited Modi to Washington. "Secretary Marco Rubio invited PM Modi while visiting him... We love to have him back here. And I know he's coming in December for the G20," Gor added.
Trade Pact in Final Stages
Addressing the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, Gor expressed strong confidence that the proposed bilateral trade pact is nearing finalization after 18 months of negotiations. "We are in the final steps on this deal. Most of this deal is complete. There's a few items that remain on both sides. It's in the last 1 per cent of that deal," he stated. Gor contextualized the duration, noting that comparable trade pacts historically take longer. "People ask, why is this taking so long? We've been at this for a year and a half. To put it into perspective, we've been trading for 20 years. So no matter what, once we beat the European deal, I think we're in good shape. But I'm determined to bring this to a close," he said.
Trump's Fond Memories of India
Gor shared that Trump frequently speaks warmly of his previous visit to India. "His visit last time, it was one of his most remarkable visits that he continues to talk about. He holds it in a very fond place. It's an incredible thing. So I look forward to... having the President visit us back in India," Gor said. He also updated Trump on his own visits to India and the growing economic ties. "I have been with the President for 10 years, so a large part of the conversation was like two friends catching up... but I also told him about my visits to India... I also spoke to him about the growing trade relations. On both sides, we see businesses coming here and going there every week, and it is a win-win situation for both," Gor noted.
Quad Ministerial Meeting Scheduled
Gor announced that foreign ministers of the Quad grouping are scheduled to hold a ministerial meeting in the Philippines in approximately two weeks. This development underscores ongoing diplomatic engagement among Quad nations.
Rubio's Remarks on Visit Timeline
Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier indicated that the Trump administration aims for early next year for the President's trip to India. "We're hoping that's what we're working towards - sometime early next year to have the President come. I think it's very positive. India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn't be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy," Rubio said.
