US values India ties: Sergio Gor talks defence, trade with PM

The US "values" its relationship with India, US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral issues, including defence and trade.

Gor, a close aide of US President Donald Trump, is in India for six days. He said, “The US values its relationship with India, and under the strong leadership of President Donald Trump and PM Modi, I am optimistic about the days ahead for both of our nations."

Gor said, “Just finished an incredible meeting with PM Modi, where we discussed bilateral issues, including defence, trade and technology. We also discussed the importance of critical minerals.”

During the meeting with the PM, the ambassador-designate gifted a framed photograph of Trump and Modi. The picture was signed by the US President with the message: “Mr Prime Minister you are great”.

In a post on X, Modi said he was "glad" to receive Gor. “I am confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership.”

The visit comes at a time when India and the US are working to strengthen strategic and trade ties, with both sides exploring ways to finalise a trade deal and boost cooperation in technology and defence sectors.

Gor also called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and later met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. “We had a great series of meetings, including with the Foreign Secretary," Gor said.

The US ambassador-designate also said President Trump considers PM Modi a great and personal friend. Referring to the telephone call Modi and Trump had on October 9, he said, “They had an incredible phone call. And that is something that will continue over the weeks and months ahead.”

Jaishankar and Gor also discussed India-US ties. “Discussed the India-US relationship and its global significance,” Jaishankar posted on X.

Gor has not taken over as the US ambassador. He will return to the US and be back in India later.

He was confirmed by the US Senate as ambassador to India on Tuesday. He will fill the vacancy created in New Delhi since January, when US ambassador Eric Garcetti was recalled after Trump took over power in Washington DC.

Gor will not just be the US ambassador to India, he will also be ‘Special Envoy for South and Central Asia’, a first such clubbing of the post in India. It means a greatly expanded mandate and authority of the US in the region, much beyond the usual bilateral relations.