No partner is more essential than India, trade talks to resume on January 13: US ambassador Sergio Gor

US ambassador Sergio Gor said on Monday that, "No country is as essential than India for Washington and both sides are actively engaged in firming up a trade deal."

At a ceremony attended by US embassy employees, he said, "India is the world's largest nation. So it's not an easy task to get this across the finish line, but we are determined to get there." 

While referring to the friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, he stated, "Real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end.

"I have travelled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real. The United States and India are bound, not just by shared interests but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels."

"And while trade is very important for our relationship, we will continue to work closely together on other very important areas such as security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health," he said.

"I have travelled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real," he added.

Gor also announced that India will be a member of the Pax Silica alliance.

"I am pleased to announce that India will be invited to join this group of nations as a full member next month," he said.

The Pax Silica alliance is a US-led strategic initiative to build a secure, resilient and innovation driven silicon supply chain.