India, US trade talks to resume as Washington eyes deeper tech alignment

India and the US are set to hold their next round of trade talks on Tuesday, 13 January, marking a continuation of prolonged negotiations aimed at forging a broader trade agreement between the two economies, US ambassador Sergio Gor said.

Gor, who assumed his post in New Delhi on Monday, said both sides remain in “active engagement” on trade issues even as disputes over tariffs and market access persist.

“Real friends can disagree but resolve differences,” he said at a ceremony attended by US embassy employees in New Delhi , underlining that dialogue with India continues despite differences on specific trade matters.

Gor did not outline the specific agenda for the discussions but said follow-up talks were scheduled “as early as tomorrow.”

The comments follow months of technical negotiations between Indian and US officials, as both capitals seek clarity on market access, tariff barriers and regulatory cooperation that could benefit exporters and investors on both sides.

The ambassador framed the sustained engagement as part of a broader push to deepen economic ties.

Gor praised the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, describing the two leaders’ connection as genuine and a foundation for future cooperation.

He also hinted at the possibility of a US presidential visit to India in the coming year, reflecting the political goodwill underpinning diplomatic efforts.

Beyond trade, Gor signaled cooperation in technology and supply chains, announcing that India is expected to be invited next month to join Pax Silica, a US-led initiative aimed at strengthening global semiconductor, artificial intelligence and critical minerals supply chains.

He described the pact as a vehicle for coordinated efforts in technology infrastructure and innovation.

Pax Silica was launched in late 2025 by the US with a group of advanced economies to reduce dependence on strategic rivals and bolster secure, resilient silicon and semiconductor supply chains.

Its founding members include countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Israel and Australia, among others.

India was not part of the original grouping. US officials have indicated that expansion of the coalition remains a priority and that broader partnerships are possible as supply chain cooperation evolves.

Analysts said India’s inclusion could signal a significant shift in the technology diplomacy landscape, aligning New Delhi with a strategic network of partners focused on emerging technologies and critical minerals at a time when global competition over semiconductor leadership and AI capabilities is intensifying.