Sergio Gor’s senate hearing signals the future of Indo-American ties

The importance of Sergio Gor’s appointment as the US ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asia lies in his close relationship with President Donald Trump and the political context of US-India relations. The significance stems from his reputation as a trusted political insider rather than a career diplomat, which signals a new phase for diplomacy in the region.

The appointment comes at a time of friction between the two countries, particularly concerning Trump’s tariffs on Indian goods and India’s economic ties with Russia. Gor’s confirmation could help resolve these trade tensions, with suggestive remarks already made at his Senate hearing.

The US Foreign Service, represented by organisations like the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), generally opposes the extensive use of political appointees as ambassadors because they believe career diplomats possess superior experience and expertise for complex foreign policy roles, leading to better-run embassies and stronger US interests abroad. The reliance on political appointees, who are often major campaign donors or friends of the president, is criticised for potentially undermining the apolitical nature of diplomacy, disregarding the qualifications required for the job, and hindering effective foreign policy.

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Edward L Peck, a retired US Foreign Service officer, wrote in an article published by the AFSA in June 2021: “The United States is the only developed nation clinging to a discredited practice of sending large numbers of novice ambassadors—chosen for their political donations or because of who rather than what they know.” He added, “There is far too much at stake to place the always complicated, significant and sometimes critical responsibilities of ambassadors in the hands of well-meaning but unqualified political nominees. America requires and deserves far better than that.”

Congressional hearings for ambassadorial nominees are crucial for ensuring that the appointees are qualified, share the administration’s policy goals, and are qualified to represent American interests effectively. The hearings also serve to establish the ambassador’s credibility. The hearings test the nominee’s knowledge, skills, and preparedness for the role.

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A nominee’s testimony gives Congress and the public a clear understanding of their foreign policy priorities and how they align with the administration’s broader agenda. An effective hearing can set a positive course for the new ambassador’s time abroad, while a contentious one can signal potential diplomatic challenges.

Speaking at his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sergio Gor said that “India is one of the most important relationships America has in the world and a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond.” He also said that “India and the US are not that far apart on making a trade deal”, adding that the president has invited India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal next week to the United States.

Gor went on to say that “President Trump has a deep friendship with PM Modi. If you’ve noticed, when he goes after other nations, he goes after their leaders. When President Trump has been critical of India, he goes out of his way to compliment Modi.” He added that the US shares common values with Indians and emphasised that active negotiations are underway to resolve trade imbalances and ensure Indians “are pulled in our direction, not away”.

When he was asked how he would explain to India why it had been hit with tariffs but not China, he said, “Look, we hold our friends to different standards. We expect more from India than we do from other nations.” It is open to question whether this remark by him is at all convincing.

Gor’s background as a political operative, rather than a diplomat, could signal a shift toward a more transactional and hardline US posture in the region, prioritising Trump’s domestic and economic agenda. The appointment of a trusted aide emphasises the importance the Trump administration places on the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the strategic balance against China.

Gor’s previous role as head of the Presidential Personnel Office involved vetting thousands of appointees for loyalty to Trump. This led to clashes with figures like Elon Musk, who reportedly called him a “snake” after an ally’s nomination was scuttled. This history has raised concerns about his approach to diplomacy. The vacancy of the ambassadorship since January, has added to uncertainty and friction in relations.

In 2021, Sergio Gor co-founded Winning Team Publishing with Donald Trump Jr after major publishers declined to offer Trump a memoir deal. The publishing house has since released several books featuring Trump, including photo books. However, his critics highlight that Gor lacks a foreign policy or diplomatic background. His appointment rests heavily on loyalty, a non-traditional approach to filling such a high-level diplomatic post.

In an unprecedented move, the administration has doubled his role by also making him special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs. This expanded mandate raises questions for some analysts about potentially re-hyphenating India-Pakistan relations and diluting India’s perceived status as a global partner.

For India, the appointment represents a high-risk, high-reward situation. Having an ambassador with the president’s ear could provide an influential channel to Washington. Gor’s appointment could help stabilise the relationship, especially following recent trade disputes. Gor’s personal relationship with Trump could allow him to “break through” policy logjams that might stall traditional diplomatic efforts, particularly regarding contentious issues. However, his mandate and lack of experience also raise questions about how effectively he can manage the complexities of US-India relations.

Sergio Gor’s approach to diplomacy is expected to differ significantly from that of traditional career diplomats due to his background as a political operative and his close relationship with President Donald Trump. His style is likely to be more transactional, prioritising loyalty and the president’s agenda over conventional diplomatic processes.

Traditional diplomacy often involves long-term, multilateral negotiations that prioritise established norms and relationships. Gor is expected to favour a more transactional style, focusing on securing concrete, immediate gains, such as favourable trade agreements or specific policy concessions. Gor’s primary loyalty is to President Trump, and his actions are expected to align directly with the president’s political objectives, potentially bypassing or sidelining the expertise of career State Department officials.

In conclusion, recent US policy actions and rhetoric under the Trump administration have damaged the bilateral relationship’s broader atmosphere. Some Indian leaders and analysts feel that India has been treated unfairly, diminishing confidence. Rebuilding trust between India and the US involves addressing recent challenges, particularly concerning trade and geopolitical tensions, while strengthening existing collaborative frameworks. One hopes that Sergio Gor is able to do that.

The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.