US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has made a clear pitch for what he sees as the next phase of India-US commercial ties: predictable taxation, stable regulatory frameworks, stronger intellectual property protection, and more trust-based cooperation on export controls and technology flows.
A Two-Decade Trade Story
Speaking at the IACC National Convention 2026, Gor pointed to just how far bilateral trade has come, growing from around $20 billion two decades ago to more than $240 billion today. Looking ahead, he said both countries are now working toward an ambitious shared target: $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, describing the relationship as built on "deep, unbreakable trust."
What Still Needs Fixing
Despite the growth, Gor was candid that the partnership's full potential hasn't been unlocked yet. "We need predictable taxation and regulatory frameworks that allow business to thrive," he said, framing regulatory and tax certainty as a foundational requirement rather than a nice-to-have for businesses operating across both countries.
He also called for more candid, trust-based engagement specifically around export controls and technology flows, alongside stronger intellectual property protections. In his words: "We need candid, trust-based engagement on export controls and technology flows... we need rock-solid intellectual property protections, giving every innovator in this room the confidence to invest, create, and scale without fear."
For businesses navigating cross-border operations between India and the US, that kind of regulatory unpredictability is exactly the gap where solid strategic tax planning makes the real difference, helping companies stay compliant and structured for growth even while broader policy frameworks continue to evolve.
Where the Cooperation Is Actually Happening
Gor highlighted growing collaboration across several sectors: artificial intelligence, broader technology, aerospace, defence, and energy, positioning private businesses as central to strengthening ties between the two countries rather than government alone.
He also referenced a trust initiative launched jointly by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in Trump's second term, aimed specifically at deepening cooperation in strategic technologies. According to Gor, the initiative is designed to accelerate collaboration in areas including AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, defence, and critical minerals. "President Trump trusts India, and he has invested heavily in this relationship from day one," Gor said.
India's Growing Role as a Tech "Crossroads"
Gor also pointed to India's expanding presence in the global technology ecosystem, referencing the Global AI Summit hosted in New Delhi and the strong turnout of US companies at the event as evidence of India's emerging position as a key meeting point for global technology cooperation.
His remarks come as both countries continue working to deepen commercial and strategic ties across emerging technology, defence, and other priority sectors.
FAQs
Q1. What did US Ambassador Sergio Gor identify as key areas needing improvement?
He called for predictable taxation, stable regulatory frameworks, stronger intellectual property protection, and greater trust-based engagement on export controls and technology flows.
Q2. How much has India-US trade grown, and what's the future target?
Trade has grown from around $20 billion to over $240 billion over the past two decades, with both countries now aiming for $500 billion by 2030.
Q3. What is the trust initiative Gor referenced?
It's a strategic technology cooperation initiative launched by President Trump and PM Modi early in Trump's second term, aimed at accelerating collaboration in AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, defence, and critical minerals.
Q4. What sectors did Gor highlight as areas of growing India-US cooperation?
Artificial intelligence, technology, aerospace, defence, and energy.