US ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor arrived in New Delhi on Friday amid continuing strain in bilateral ties, expressing optimism about future engagement between the two countries.
“Great to be back in India! Incredible opportunities ahead for our two nations!” Gor said in a social media post after landing in the national capital late on Friday.
Gor’s arrival comes at a sensitive moment in India-US relations, which have witnessed an unprecedented downturn in recent months. Tensions have been exacerbated by trade disputes, diplomatic differences and sharp exchanges between the two sides.
A fresh controversy erupted shortly before Gor’s arrival after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed that a proposed trade deal between India and the United States could not be finalised last year because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not make a telephone call to President Donald Trump. New Delhi rejected the assertion on Friday, describing Lutnick’s remarks as “inaccurate”.
Gor, 38, is regarded as a key member of President Trump’s inner circle. He was sworn in as the US envoy to India in mid-November after being confirmed by the US Senate in October.
Also read: US Ambassador Sergio Gor arrives in India
India–US relations have been under severe strain since Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, including an additional 25 per cent duty linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. Differences have also emerged over a range of issues, including Trump’s claim of ending the India–Pakistan conflict in May last year and Washington’s new immigration policy.
Gor was serving as the White House personnel director when Trump nominated him in August to be the next US ambassador to New Delhi. Following his oath ceremony, Trump said, “I'm trusting Sergio to help strengthen one of our country's most important international relationships and that's the strategic partnership with India.”
Gor, in turn, described the posting as “an honour of a lifetime” and said he looked forward to “enhancing” the relationship between the two countries.
He played a significant role in the political action committee of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, with his influence growing after he was entrusted with vetting political appointees in the new administration.
The position of US ambassador to India had remained vacant since January last year, when the then envoy Eric Garcetti stepped down. Gor had earlier visited India for six days in October, soon after his confirmation by the Senate, during which he met Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
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