The US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday to discuss the broader bilateral relationship, including trade and economic cooperation, amid ongoing efforts by both countries to resolve tariff-related differences.
Following the meeting, Goyal said on social media that he had held a productive exchange of views on India–US relations during discussions with Ambassador Gor and US Senator Steve Daines. Gor formally assumed office as the US Ambassador to India on 14th January after presenting his credentials.
The meeting comes as diplomatic engagement between the two countries has intensified in recent days. Senator Daines, who represents Montana, met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday as part of the same outreach. Daines, along with Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, had earlier written to US President Donald Trump raising concerns over India’s tariff regime, particularly in relation to agricultural trade.
In their communication, the senators highlighted India’s imposition of tariffs on certain pulse imports and said that engaging Prime Minister Narendra Modi on tariff-related issues could help enhance economic cooperation in a manner beneficial to both American producers and consumers. They noted that Montana and North Dakota are among the leading producers of pulse crops in the US, while India remains the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses.
India had allowed duty-free imports of yellow peas until 31st March 2026, but imposed 30% duties from 1st November last year after cheaper imports began affecting domestic farmers. The duty structure includes a 10% basic customs duty and a 20% agriculture infrastructure development cess.
India and the US have been negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement since March last year and have completed five rounds of talks. While negotiations were ongoing, the US imposed an additional 50% tariff on certain Indian imports, adding to trade tensions. However, following multiple formal negotiations and high-level engagements, officials on both sides have indicated that the two countries are now closer to reaching a mutually acceptable trade arrangement.
Recent meetings are being viewed as part of a broader effort to resolve outstanding trade issues and lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive and stable economic partnership between India and the US.
