US Envoy-Designate Highlights Enduring India–US Partnership Amid Trade Talks

• Sergio Gor highlights the durability of India–US ties despite policy differences.

• Personal rapport between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi underpins relations.

• Ongoing trade and tariff negotiations remain challenging but active.

• India viewed as the US’s most critical strategic partner.

• Cooperation extends beyond trade to security, technology, and health.

Sergio Gor, the United States’ ambassador-designate to India, on Monday emphasized the depth and resilience of the relationship between New Delhi and Washington, pointing to the close personal bond between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a key pillar of bilateral ties. He said that while differences do arise, the partnership remains steady and solutions are ultimately found.

Drawing on his experience traveling extensively with President Trump, Gor said the US leader frequently speaks about his connection with Prime Minister Modi and recalls his visit to India with warmth. According to Gor, the relationship between the two leaders goes beyond shared policy goals and is grounded in regular, direct engagement at the highest level.

Addressing current negotiations over tariffs and a proposed bilateral trade agreement, Gor noted that disagreements are a natural part of any close partnership. He described the India–US relationship as one where candid discussions coexist with a commitment to resolution, stressing that both sides view each other as trusted partners.

Gor also shared lighter personal anecdotes, saying President Trump often reminisces about his India visit and speaks admiringly of Prime Minister Modi. He expressed hope that the US President would return to India within the next couple of years, adding that late-night phone calls from Washington might align conveniently with New Delhi’s time zone.

Underscoring India’s strategic importance, Gor said no international partner is more critical to the United States. As ambassador, he said he intends to pursue an ambitious agenda that treats India as an equal strategic ally, with both nations contributing leadership and mutual respect.

On trade, Gor acknowledged the complexity of reaching an agreement with the world’s most populous country but said both governments remain committed to concluding the deal. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing and that further talks were scheduled to continue this week.

While trade is a significant component of the bilateral relationship, Gor stressed that cooperation extends well beyond economics. He highlighted continued collaboration in areas such as security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and healthcare as central to the partnership’s future.

Earlier on Monday, Gor was sworn in as the new US ambassador-designate to India and Special Envoy to South and Central Asia at the US Embassy in New Delhi. He has since presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu, formally beginning his tenure amid a period of active diplomatic engagement between the two countries.