US Envoy to India stresses need for predictable taxation, solid IP protection
New Delhi, Aug 18: Amidst ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade deal with India, the US today underlined the need for predictable taxation and stronger intellectual property protection, identifying these as areas of “friction” that would need to be addressed.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also pitched for greater Indian investments in his country.
Speaking at the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) National Convention 2026 in Mumbai, Gor said the chamber had been a bedrock of the India-US relationship since 1968. “My vision is to build on the legacy, and define strategic partnership of 21st century,” he said.
Pointing to the rapid expansion of economic ties, Gor said bilateral trade has grown to around USD 240 billion over the past two decades. “No two nations better than US and India to drive economic growth,” he said.
Gor highlighted the billions of dollars committed by American companies, including Amazon and Google, to India’s ecosystem.
He also pointed to partnerships involving IACC members and American companies, citing Flowserve and Emerson among examples of businesses demonstrating how the two countries can increasingly rely on each other.
At the same time, Gor stressed that investment should flow in both directions, making a case for Indian businesses to establish and expand operations in the United States.
“When Indian companies invest in Amercia it is a win win situation”, he said, describing the US as a stable market for businesses.
The Ambassador called for more greenfield and on-ground projects to be brought to US soil, while signalling that trust would remain central to Washington’s economic partnerships. He said the US was open to partners it trusted, with India at the top of that list.
Gor, however, also flagged areas of friction that would need to be addressed as commercial engagement between the two economies expands.
“We must address friction points, we need predictable taxation, rock solid IP protection,” he said.
The remarks put taxation and intellectual property protection alongside investment and market access as issues that could shape the next phase of bilateral economic engagement.
Gor characterised the current moment as a historic opportunity for India and the US, describing their relationship as one of the most consequential global partnerships.
The convention, themed ‘Redefining the India-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, is bringing together policymakers, diplomats and industry representatives to discuss the future of bilateral economic and strategic cooperation. (BVI)
