India-US ties: Envoy Vinay Kwatra meets US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor at Mar-a-Lago; trade talks in focus

NEW DELHI: India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held talks with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, focusing on strengthening trade ties and the broader bilateral partnership between the two countries.In a post on X, Kwatra said he was “happy to connect” with Gor at Mar-a-Lago and that the two had extensive discussions on their shared goal of strengthening trade ties. He added that they also spoke about Gor’s plans and priorities for the India-US bilateral partnership as he prepares to assume his responsibility as the US Ambassador to India.Gor, in a separate post on X, said it was “always a pleasure” to meet India’s Ambassador to the US and noted that this was Kwatra’s first visit to Mar-a-Lago. Mar-a-Lago is US President Donald Trump’s residence.The interaction comes amid ongoing trade talks between India and the United States. India is close to finalising a trade deal with the US against the backdrop of tariffs imposed on the import of Indian goods.Trump is currently at Mar-a-Lago for the Christmas holidays, as per news agency PTI.According to PTI, he arrived at his Palm Beach residence over the weekend and is scheduled to participate in NORAD Santa Calls and interact with service members. Gor also shared a post earlier this week about hosting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay during his visit to FloridaUS Embassy and Consulates in India will remain closed from December 24 to December 26, 2025, in line with a Presidential Executive Order. The embassy said routine consular services will not be available during this period.Kwatra recently also praised Isro for the successful launch of the LVM3-M6 mission, calling it a milestone for India-US cooperation in the space sector, underscoring the expanding scope of the bilateral partnership beyond trade.