US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Monday underscored the expanding economic and strategic ties between New Delhi and Washington, pointing to growing collaboration in defence, information technology and healthcare as a source of opportunities for both nations.
Addressing a programme in Kolkata to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American Independence, Gor cited joint military exercises, closer defence links and investments by companies from both countries as examples of the deepening partnership.
"India and the US have a great relationship, there’s so much happening. Pick any sector, and we're working together in it," he said.
Pointing to recent developments in defence cooperation, Gor said the two countries conducted military exercises involving more than 500 troops during Exercise Tarang Shakti at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan.
On technology and investment, the envoy said companies from both countries were making significant progress, with investments flowing in both directions and some American firms setting up large production facilities in India.
"In terms of IT development, incredible things are happening in both directions, with investments in the US and some of our companies opening large production facilities here in India. It is an incredible opportunity," Gor said.
He also underlined India's importance in the healthcare sector, particularly in the supply of generic medicines tmo the US.
"In healthcare, we import a significant amount of our generic pharmaceuticals from India. This is because we trust India," he asserted.
Gor also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a discussion last week, hinting at further developments in bilateral ties.
"PM Modi and President Trump spoke just last week; so stay tuned for what comes next," he said.
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Gor also highlighted the relationship between Kolkata and the US, noting that former president George Washington appointed Benjamin Joy as the first American Consul to the city way back in 1792.
The remarks come days after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India and the US had reached a plateau in negotiations for a trade deal, warning that further concessions would be “very, very difficult” for both sides. She said the talks were continuing but noted that Washington wanted to address the trade imbalance in India's favour. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer had also said that an agreement was not imminent.