India, Sept. 12 -- President Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, said that Washington and New Delhi were close to clinching a trade deal, and called the partnership "one of the most important relationships our nation has in the world," in a sign of growing momentum in bilateral ties after weeks of acrimonious rhetoric from US officials.

Gor, during a lengthy hearing for his Senate confirmation on Thursday, in which he repeatedly described India as a "strategic partner" and "cornerstone of regional stability", also told the foreign relations committee that Trump has invited an Indian delegation to Washington next week for talks that could finalise a deal within weeks.

"We're actively negotiating with the Indians r...