US Ambassador Sergio Gor takes charge in India, says trade talks active and ongoing | VIDEO

New Delhi: Sergio Gor formally assumed charge as the United States Ambassador to India on Monday, signalling continuity in bilateral engagement as New Delhi and Washington prepare for the next round of trade talks, expected as early as tomorrow.

Speaking shortly after taking office, Gor said India and the US continue to “actively engage” on trade issues, underlining that dialogue remains on track despite differences over tariffs and market access. He noted that officials on both sides are in regular contact and that negotiations have not stalled.

“There is steady momentum in discussions,” Gor said, indicating that follow-up meetings between the two countries are scheduled in the coming days. While he refrained from sharing specifics of the agenda, his remarks suggested that both governments are keen to keep channels open amid ongoing disputes.

In a brief public address before entering his office, Gor thanked Donald Trump for the opportunity to serve and said his primary mission would be to further strengthen ties between what he described as the world’s oldest and largest democracies. He added that Trump had conveyed his best wishes to Narendra Modi, calling the relationship between the two leaders genuine.

“Real friends can disagree, but resolve the difference,” Gor said, framing current trade negotiations as part of a resilient and mature partnership rather than a point of friction.

Beyond trade, the ambassador announced a significant development in strategic cooperation. Gor said India will be invited next month to join Pax Silica as a full member, marking a major expansion of India–US collaboration in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical supply chains.

Describing Pax Silica as a US-led initiative launched last month, Gor said it aims to build a secure, innovation-driven silicon ecosystem — from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI, and logistics. Countries that joined the initiative in its first phase include Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Israel.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that India will be invited to join this group of nations as a full member next month,” Gor said, signalling deeper alignment in technology, security, and supply-chain resilience.