Overview
- Sergio Gor formally took charge as US ambassador in New Delhi and said negotiators held their next trade call on January 13.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy, with a possible meeting next month.
- Gor announced India will be invited next month to join Pax Silica, a US‑led effort to secure semiconductor and AI‑related supply chains.
- Talks continue under pressure from US tariffs of 50% on affected Indian exports, including a 25% levy tied to purchases of Russian crude.
- New Delhi rejected US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s claim that India delayed a deal, as Gor emphasized Trump–Modi personal rapport and expressed hope for a presidential visit within one to two years.