Jaishankar Meets US Ambassador-Designate Sergio Gor Amid India-US Trade Tensions

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday held talks with US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor amid ongoing tensions in bilateral relations following Washington's imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports.

Gor, accompanied by Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas, is conducting a six-day visit to New Delhi, shortly after the Senate confirmed his appointment as the US envoy to India.

"Pleased to meet Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor of the US today in New Delhi. Discussed the India-US relationship and its global significance," Jaishankar stated on social media.

"Wish him the best for his new responsibility," he added.

Relations between New Delhi and Washington have been experiencing considerable strain after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, including an additional 25 per cent duties related to India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

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

Nevertheless, recent phone discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Trump have generated optimism for positive outcomes from the ongoing trade deal negotiations.

India and the US have recently recommenced negotiations for the trade deal following a brief pause lasting several weeks.

Gor, who serves as the White House personnel director and is a trusted member of Trump's inner circle, was nominated as the next American ambassador to India in August.

In his response to the nomination, Gor expressed being "beyond grateful" to Trump for demonstrating "incredible trust and confidence" in nominating him as the next US ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs.

The US Senate confirmed his appointment earlier this week.

American officials have indicated that Gor will not present his credentials as the US envoy during his current visit to New Delhi.