Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The US-India trade deal is in its final stage, with only the last one per cent of negotiations left, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Tuesday. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit in Washington, he said he was confident the agreement would be sealed soon after nearly 18 months of talks and added that it would benefit both countries.
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Gor also spoke positively about the wider bilateral relationship, saying ties were being driven by the personal equation between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also said the Quad foreign ministers are scheduled to meet in the Philippines in about two weeks.
Addressing the summit, Gor said, “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 said he was determined to conclude the agreement.
On the time taken for the negotiations, he said, “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.”
Gor also said Trump has very fond memories of his visit to India and continues to speak about it. “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,” he said.
In sum, Gor said the US-India trade deal is close to completion, described the broader relationship as strong, and announced that the Quad foreign ministers will meet in the Philippines in about two weeks.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
