Saturday, 13 September 2025 | Web Desk

United States next ambassador to India struck an optimistic tone on Thursday, saying Washington and New Delhi were “not that far apart” on reaching a breakthrough over tariffs that have strained ties between the two countries.

Sergio Gor, a longtime Trump aide who currently serves as director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, told lawmakers at his Senate confirmation hearing that a resolution was within sight.

Gor said that the two countries are not that far apart on a deal on these tariffs. “I do think it will get resolved in the next few weeks,” he added.

Backdrop of a Trade Rift

US-India relations have been under pressure due to Trump’s ongoing trade war. Talks aimed at lowering tariff rates collapsed earlier this year when India — the world’s fifth-largest economy — resisted US demands to open up its massive agricultural and dairy markets. The deadlock came despite annual bilateral trade between the two countries exceeding \$190 billion, making India one of Washington’s fastest-growing commercial partners.

The Trump administration initially slapped 25 percent tariffs on Indian imports, later announcing plans to double them to 50 percent starting August 27. The White House framed the move as punishment for New Delhi’s continued imports of discounted Russian oil. President said on various occasions that India was helping Russia against Ukrain by buying its petrol.

Signs of a Reset

Despite the friction, Trump suggested earlier this week that relations with India may be stabilizing. He said negotiations were ongoing and hinted at direct engagement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I’ll be talking to Modi,” Trump told reporters, signaling a potential reset after weeks of tension.

For India, the tariff standoff comes at a sensitive time. The Modi government has balanced its economic ties with Russia while also deepening strategic and defense cooperation with the US. Washington, meanwhile, sees India as a critical counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific.

Quad and the China Factor

At the hearing, Gor was also asked about the future of the Quad — the four-nation grouping of the US, India, Japan, and Australia that has become central to Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

“Without committing to exact dates … the president is fully committed to continue to meet with the Quad and strengthening it,” Gor assured senators.

India is slated to host the next Quad leaders’ summit in November, with discussions expected to place greater emphasis on regional security and China’s growing assertiveness. However, US officials say Trump has yet to finalize his travel plans for the event, raising questions about whether the gathering will go ahead as scheduled.

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Looking Ahead

If confirmed, Sergio Gor will step into a critical diplomatic role at a time when US-India relations straddle both cooperation and confrontation. Trade disputes, energy politics, and strategic calculations around China and Russia will all shape the trajectory of ties between Washington and New Delhi.

Still, Gor’s remarks offered a rare note of optimism. A swift deal on tariffs, if achieved, could not only ease immediate tensions but also reinforce the broader strategic partnership that both capitals have touted as indispensable to regional and global stability.