AI, Critical Minerals Drive New India-US Strategic Push: Sergio Gor

The United States and India are entering a defining phase in their bilateral relationship, with artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and leadership-level trust shaping a partnership that could influence the global order for decades.

How is AI shaping the future of the India-US partnership?

US and India are poised to unlock the “limitless potential” of AI through deeper collaboration between governments and private players, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said.

In an interview with SPAN magazine, Gor pointed to the recent AI Impact Summit in New Delhi as a key milestone in accelerating cooperation.

“Just a few weeks ago, I saw first-hand the limitless potential of the US and India partnering on AI innovation. New Delhi hosted the AI Impact Summit, which was an incredible forum for public and private sector stakeholders to chart the future of AI,” he said.

He stressed that as AI becomes embedded in everyday life, governance must remain flexible and rooted in bilateral cooperation rather than rigid global oversight.

“The fact of the matter is that AI is here now, in our daily lives. So, how do we use it for our benefit? The answer is certainly not to have some global governance board based out of the UN determine what you can and can't use AI for. It's a nuanced and evolving issue that requires open communication between the US and India,” he said.

Why are critical minerals and supply chains central to cooperation?

Beyond AI, Gor underscored “exceptionally strong” prospects for collaboration in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing: areas seen as vital for economic security and technological leadership.

He highlighted frameworks such as the US-India COMPACT initiative and India’s participation in the Pax Silica Declaration as key building blocks.

“I'm pleased to report that these prospects are exceptionally strong. For example, the US-India COMPACT framework prioritises building resilient supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals, and pharmaceuticals. Most recently, on the final day of the AI Impact Summit, India became the tenth signatory to our Pax Silica Declaration. Pax Silica is focused on further aligning US-India economic and national security interests through partnerships on critical mineral processing capacity and AI infrastructure investments,” he said.

According to Gor, diversification is critical to reducing global risks.

“This combination of political and financial commitments ensures our supply chains are not dominated by one source, which drastically reduces risk,” he said.

He also linked economic resilience with regional stability, noting Washington’s broader role in South and Central Asia.

“The United States is uniquely positioned to serve as the main facilitator of economic growth across both regions. In Central Asia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have committed to significant investment deals with American companies, helping develop critical minerals, digital infrastructure, and energy resources while supporting American jobs. In South Asia, our revamped trade deal with India creates a powerful anchor for regional economic integration,” he said.

On security, he added: “Regarding security, the US remains focused on working with partners to combat terrorism, violent radicalisation, and transnational crime. We understand that security and economic prosperity are intertwined. Stable nations attract investment, and legitimate financial opportunities reduce the appeal of criminality and extremism,” he said.

How do Trump and Modi’s ties influence the partnership?

At the highest level, Gor highlighted the personal rapport between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a key driver of stronger bilateral ties.

“That friendliness also extends to the highest level of leadership between the United States and India. President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi a true friend, and their genuine relationship strengthens the already important bond between our two nations. The ability to deepen our ties and work towards mutually beneficial goals is a great privilege.”

He reiterated his broader vision for the relationship: “My vision is to transform the US-India relationship into the defining strategic partnership of the 21st century, one that delivers tangible benefits for both our nations,” he said.

The ambassador emphasised that this partnership must deliver real-world outcomes for citizens.

“I want the positive outcomes of our partnership to be felt by ordinary citizens--American farmers selling more to Indian markets, joint research breakthroughs in energy and medicine, and both nations' militaries operating seamlessly together to ensure a safe and secure Indo-Pacific,” Gor said.

He added that shared values underpin long-term cooperation: “The US-India relationship is rooted in shared democratic values, mutual prosperity, and common security interests that will shape the global order for generations.”

What drives Sergio Gor’s personal commitment to India?

Gor also reflected on his personal connection with India, recalling a visit from 15 years ago that left a lasting impression.

“I first visited India with my family almost 15 years ago. Since then, the impact of that trip never left my mind. The culture, history, colors, and the incredible story of India, combined with the potential for our two nations to take our bilateral relationship to the next level, is truly what makes this assignment appealing to me. However, it was the warmth and kindness of the people that left its deepest impression on me. I can say as I return to India so many years later, and under such different circumstances, the friendliness of the Indian people has not faded one bit,” he told Span Magazine.

He framed his role as results-driven and aligned with Washington’s priorities: “President Trump is the hardest working man in politics. He moves fast and demands results. His results-oriented style means I come into the embassy every morning with one goal in mind--how can I deliver something tangible and positive for the American people? Every call I have and every meeting I take is in furtherance of closing a deal or securing a win for the United States, which is exactly how the President operates. We have a simple task--deliver results for the United States, while enhancing our bilateral relationship to new heights,” he said.

(With inputs from ANI)