Sergio Gor, the newly appointed US ambassador to India, emphasized the strategic importance of New Delhi to Washington and highlighted the “very real” friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump.
Assuming office on Monday, Gor is scheduled to present his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu this week. He arrived in New Delhi in October 2025, succeeding Eric Garcetti.
Speaking at his first public address, Gor said, “No partner more essential than India. It is great to be here as the United States Ambassador. I come to this remarkable nation with profound respect and a clear mission to take the partnership between our two great nations to the next level. This is the intersection of the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy.”
The ambassador-designate also noted ongoing engagement on trade issues and stated that the US plans to invite India to join Pax Silica next month, reflecting a continued effort to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Gor’s remarks come amid rising US-India trade tensions. Recently, former President Trump criticized India’s purchase of Russian oil, warning of potential tariffs. Trump had said, “Modi is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy,” while later greenlighting a sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russia and countries trading with Russian oil, petroleum, or uranium.
Despite these tensions, Gor underscored that the US considers India an indispensable partner on the global stage, highlighting the broader strategic and economic importance of the bilateral relationship.