US Ambassador Sergio Gor Meets PM Modi: Strengthening US-India Relations Despite Trade Tensions

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor announced having a "great series of meetings" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing optimism about future relations despite ongoing tensions in India-US ties due to President Trump's 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports.

"I had an incredible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We discussed trade, critical minerals and defence," stated Gor following his confirmation as the next ambassador to India.

Accompanied by US Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas, Gor is conducting a six-day visit to Delhi.

On social media platform X, PM Modi welcomed the new US envoy to India. Both were photographed holding a large framed picture showing PM Modi and Trump during a joint address.

"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," wrote PM Modi.

Prior to meeting with PM Modi, Gor held discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

At 38, Gor is the youngest US Ambassador to India and is regarded as one of Trump's closest advisors. He previously served as Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, responsible for vetting more than 4,000 positions in the Trump administration. Gor will also function as a special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs.

India-US relations have been strained recently after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent, including an additional 25 percent duty on India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

India has described the US action as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable."

Despite these challenges, Gor mentioned that Trump considers PM Modi "a great and personal friend."

Recent phone conversations between Modi and Trump have generated expectations for positive outcomes from trade deal negotiations.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that both nations maintain continuous dialogue on the proposed bilateral trade agreement.

"We are in constant dialogue with the US (on the trade pact), and talks are on at various levels. We will give more information on this soon on how we are thinking to take it forward," Goyal informed reporters in Doha on Tuesday, adding "there is every possibility" of meeting the November deadline to finalize the deal.

He emphasized that India's position prioritizes protecting the interests of farmers and the dairy sector. In trade agreements with the UK, EFTA bloc, and Australia, India has safeguarded the interests of farmers and the dairy industry, as well as religious sensitivities, he noted.