US Ambassador-Designate Sergio Gor Meets PM Modi Amid Trade Tensions, Presents Signed Trump Photograph
US Ambassador-Designate Sergio Gor Meets PM Modi Amid Trade Tensions: In a significant diplomatic engagement, US Ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday during his six-day official visit to New Delhi. The meeting took place amid growing tensions in bilateral relations following the imposition of a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports by the United States.
During the meeting, Gor presented Prime Minister Modi with a signed photograph of US President Donald Trump, symbolizing the close ties between the two leaders. The gesture came shortly after a cordial phone conversation between PM Modi and President Trump, which has sparked renewed optimism over stalled trade negotiations.
Sergio Gor, accompanied by Deputy Secretary of Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas, also held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Mishra.
Taking to social media, Prime Minister Modi shared a photograph from the meeting and wrote,
“I am delighted to welcome US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor to India. I am confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”
The two sides discussed a range of strategic and economic issues, including defense cooperation, trade dynamics, and advancements in technology. Critical minerals, seen as a key area for future collaboration, were also highlighted as a mutual priority.
Speaking to the media, Sergio Gor emphasized the United States’ commitment to deepening its partnership with India.
“The United States values its relationship with India. I wish both countries a bright future under the strong leadership of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi,” he said.
Gor added that President Trump considers PM Modi a “great and personal friend,” and noted the significance of their recent phone conversation before his departure for Delhi.
“It is an honor for me to serve as President Trump’s ambassador to India. I look forward to further strengthening this important relationship and deepening cooperation between our two countries,” he stated.
The visit comes at a sensitive time. The US recently imposed a steep 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, as well as a 25 percent tariff on Indian purchases of Russian crude oil. India has termed these actions as “unfair and unreasonable.” Despite these tensions, the leadership on both sides appears committed to navigating the differences and reinforcing the long-standing strategic partnership.
Diplomatic observers are hopeful that ongoing dialogue at the highest levels will help resolve trade issues and pave the way for stronger collaboration across key sectors.
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