US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday where the duo discussed bilateral issues including defence, trade and technology. The envoy presented the prime minister with a signed photo of himself with US President Donald Trump at the White House, on which Trump had written: “Mr. Prime Minister, you are amazing.”
The meeting took place amid ongoing turbulence in relations between New Delhi and Washington following the US imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports. Prime Minister Modi expressed hope that bilateral ties will be further strengthened under the new envoy’s tenure.
Sharing a photo with the envoy, the Prime Minister tweeted: “Happy to receive Mr. Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador-designate to India. I am confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership.”
Gor said after the meeting that “President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi a great and personal friend,” adding that the discussions covered trade, defense and technology, as well as the importance of crucial minerals.
Before his meeting with the Prime Minister, he also met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Vikram Misri.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be here today. We just completed an incredible meeting with Prime Minister Modi where we discussed bilateral issues including defense, trade and technology. We also discussed the importance of critical minerals and their importance to both our countries. The US values its relationship with India, and under the strong leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I am optimistic about the coming days for both our countries,” he told reporters.
The envoy is on a six-day visit to India after the US Senate confirmed his nomination as US Ambassador to India. Gor is accompanied by Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas.
Gor, a 38-year-old close aide to Trump and a key figure in the MAGA campaign, has also been appointed as Trump’s special envoy to South and Central Asia.
Relations between New Delhi and Washington have come under severe strain after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to as much as 50 percent, including an additional 25 percent levy on India’s purchases of Russian crude. India described the US action as ‘unfair, unjustified and unreasonable’.
However, recent telephone conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump have raised hopes of a positive outcome in the ongoing trade negotiations.
India and the US recently resumed talks on the trade deal after a brief hiatus of a few weeks. Nevertheless, both countries are still striving for a concrete breakthrough in the discussions and in finalizing a bilateral trade agreement.
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