India and US are actively engaged: Sergio Gor slams 'fake' report around trade talks
New Delhi, July 13
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Monday slammed Reuters for running 'fake news' around the India-US trade talks, saying both sides had very constructive meetings and reaffirmed their commitment to finalising a trade deal.
The report claimed that India allegedly rejected a quick trade agreement with the US in recent trade negotiations.
"Fake news alert! No one has rejected anything. Both sides had very constructive meetings and reaffirmed their commitment to finalising a trade deal. We continue to stay actively engaged. Reuters - you can do better!" Gor posted on social media platform X.
Earlier in the day, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal refuted the report as "completely false" and "baseless".
In a post on X, Goyal said: "This news is completely false, baseless, and misleading."
"I had fantastic meetings with USTR Jamieson Greer when he visited Delhi in June. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to an agreement that is balanced, commercially meaningful, and delivers tangible benefits for businesses, farmers, workers, and consumers in both countries," the Commerce Minister said.
Goyal further stated: "Our teams remain fully engaged in achieving this objective".The Reuters report had claimed that India "is holding out for a better deal".
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal also said that negotiations for a mutually beneficial trade deal between India and the US are underway and progressing in the right direction.
Addressing a press conference here, the Commerce Secretary said: "We don't see any challenge in negotiations, and consultations are progressing in the right direction."
Late last month, Gor said that the proposed India-US trade agreement is in its "last one or two per cent" and negotiators are working to resolve the remaining issues, expressing confidence that the deal would soon be concluded after nearly 18 months of negotiations.
In his address at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, Gor said officials from both countries had intensified engagement in recent weeks to bring the agreement across the finish line.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I trust our Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal more than any foreign news agency. He's been hands-on with trade negotiations and has delivered results for India. The "last 1-2%" comment from Ambassador Gor is encouraging - means we're almost there. But India should not rush into anything that doesn't benefit our farmers and small businesses. Balanced deal is the key! 🌟
Here is my respectful criticism though - why does India always have to deny reports through social media posts? Instead of reacting, why not share regular updates on the negotiation progress? The US side seems more proactive in communicating. Transparency would help build trust and counter misinformation before it spreads. Just saying... 🤔
As an American living in India, I can say both sides genuinely want this deal. The US needs India's market access, and India wants technology and investment. Fake news like this only creates unnecessary tension. Sergio Gor is right - Reuters should do better journalism. From what I've seen, negotiations are professional and constructive. Fingers crossed for a win-win outcome! 🤝
Remember how Reuters has been accused of bias in the past? This is not the first time they've published questionable reports on India. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal clearly stating "we don't see any challenge in negotiations" should put all doubts to rest. India has every right to negotiate a deal that serves our national interest. Jai Hind! 🙏🇮🇳
Sab theek hai but why is this taking 18 months? In business, time is money. Both countries keep talking about
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