US-India "Very Close" to Finalizing Critical Minerals Agreements: Sergio Gor

• US Ambassador Sergio Gor announced Washington and New Delhi are "very close" to finalizing critical minerals agreements.
• The agreements aim to secure supply chains for advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and emerging technologies, with a "big announcement" expected in months.
• Gor highlighted recent "breakthroughs" in trade, trust/technology, and strategic coordination, stating the US-India relationship can reach "historic heights."
• An interim trade agreement framework was announced on February 7, reaffirming commitment to broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations.
• Under the interim deal, India will reduce tariffs on US industrial and agricultural goods, while the US will apply an 18% reciprocal tariff on various Indian products.