Synopsis

US Ambassador Sergio Gor urged India and the US to address trade and investment friction through predictable taxation, regulations and stronger intellectual property protections. Speaking at the IACC convention, he said bilateral trade has surged to $240 billion and both countries should work towards their $500 billion target by 2030.

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US Ambassador Sergio Gor on Tuesday said India and the US need to address areas of friction as equal partners and establish predictable taxation and regulatory regimes to create a conducive environment for businesses.

Speaking at the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in Mumbai, Gor called for open and trust-based discussions on export controls, along with strong intellectual property protection, to give innovators the confidence to invest, build and expand in India without apprehension.

The remarks came at the IACC's national convention, themed "Redefining the India-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership".

The envoy said the US embassy in India had emerged as the top US embassy globally in terms of attracting investment, with more than USD 20 billion brought in.

Also read: India, US remain in regular contact on proposed trade deal: Commerce Secretary

Gor said investments by Indian companies in the US also benefit both sides by giving Indian businesses access to one of the world's most dynamic markets.

"The relationship has unbelievable and incredible potential. To unleash the full power of the economic engine, we must address friction points together as true partners. We need predictable taxation and regulatory frameworks that allow business to thrive," he said.

The US envoy said companies from across the world that have approached him over intellectual property theft and are considering shifting their operations to India often ask whether their businesses would be secure in the country. His response, he said, is an unequivocal yes.

"We do trust India," Gor said, adding that US President Donald Trump had placed his trust in India and made significant investments in strengthening the bilateral relationship from the beginning.

Gor pointed out that bilateral trade between India and the US has reached record levels over the past two decades, rising from USD 20 billion to USD 240 billion in goods and services.

He said the nearly 12-fold growth was the result of sustained efforts and noted that both countries aim to increase bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030, underscoring the significant economic potential of the partnership.

"When India and the US work together, they integrate value chains, accelerate breakthroughs in critical technologies and strengthen supply chain resilience," Gor said.

Sharing glimpses of the event on X, Gor said, "There is unprecedented momentum in the economic relationship between our countries, across vital sectors including semiconductors, critical minerals, defense and technology, and energy."

We are expanding market access for American businesses, securing resilient supply chains, accelerating innovation, and translating high-level bilateral vision into jobs, trade, and investment for American prosperity, he added.