New Delhi: US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor stated on Saturday that he had a “great series of meetings” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed optimism about future developments, despite ongoing tensions in India-US relations due to President Donald Trump’s imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports. “I had an incredible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We discussed trade, critical minerals, and defense,” Gor remarked following his confirmation as the next ambassador to India by the Senate. He noted that “President Trump regards Prime Minister Modi as a great and personal friend,” adding that they had a remarkable phone conversation just before his departure for New Delhi, a relationship expected to continue in the coming weeks and months.
Accompanied by US Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas, Gor is on a six-day visit to Delhi. In a post on X, PM Modi welcomed Gor, stating, “Glad to receive Mr Sergio Gor, Ambassador-designate of the US to India. I’m confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.” Prior to meeting with PM Modi, Gor also engaged in discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. At 38, Gor is the youngest US Ambassador to India and is recognized as one of Trump’s closest aides. Previously, he served as the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, overseeing the vetting of over 4,000 positions in the Trump administration.
Gor will also act as a special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs.