India, US close to critical minerals deal; big announcement expected soon, says envoy Sergio Gor

Agreement expected to secure supply chains for advanced manufacturing, energy systems and emerging technologies

March 13, 2026

India–US Partnership Set to Secure Critical Supply Chains

Big Announcement Soon on India–US Minerals Pact

The United States and India are close to finalising a critical minerals agreement, with a major announcement expected in the coming months, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Friday.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Gor said the proposed agreement between United States and India would help secure supply chains essential for advanced manufacturing, energy systems and emerging technologies.

“I’m pleased to say that we are moving very close to finalising critical minerals agreements to help secure the supply chains needed for advanced manufacturing, energy systems and emerging technologies. Stay tuned, and in the next few months, we expect a big announcement,” Gor said.

Partnership could reach ‘historic heights’

The envoy said the relationship between the two countries has the potential to reach “historic heights”, highlighting recent breakthroughs including an interim trade agreement aimed at strengthening economic ties.

According to Gor, both governments have shown political willingness to convert opportunities into tangible outcomes. He said that in the coming months, both nations are expected to deliver concrete results reflecting deeper economic and strategic cooperation.

“We are seeing something different. Instead of breakdown, we are seeing breakthroughs. We have already seen a remarkable series of breakthroughs that demonstrate the strength and momentum of the US-India partnership,” he said.

“The relationship has the potential to reach historic heights and deliver results on a scale we have never seen before,” he added.

Breakthroughs in trade, trust and technology

Highlighting the areas of progress, Gor said the partnership is witnessing three major breakthroughs — in trade, trust and technology, and strategic coordination.

Speaking about the interim trade framework, he said the scale of both economies, the talent of their people and the entrepreneurial energy in both societies create enormous opportunities for cooperation.

“What was needed was the momentum and political will to translate opportunity into direct results. Today, we are beginning to unlock the potential,” Gor said.

He emphasised that the partnership is not limited to tariffs and market access but also focuses on securing critical resources and supply chains that will shape the future global economy.

Interim trade framework announced earlier

On February 7, India and the United States announced a framework for an interim agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade.

The framework reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to negotiating a broader US–India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), which is expected to include additional market access commitments and support more resilient supply chains.

Meanwhile, the United States will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of 18% on certain originating goods from India under Executive Order 14257. These goods include textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber products, organic chemicals, home décor items, artisanal products and certain machinery.

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