Trump’s envoy pick Sergio Gor calls India a strategic partner, says tariff deal with US ‘not that far apart’

Sergio Gor, President Donald Trump’s close aide and nominee for US Ambassador to India, highlighted the ”unique friendship” between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump, emphasising that the two countries are ”not that far apart” on reaching a deal regarding tariffs.

“India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond. Under President Donald Trump’s strong leadership, I’m committed to advancing America’s interest in this important partnership,” Gor said at his confirmation hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

When confirmed, 38-year-old Gor will be the youngest American ambassador to India.

India’s “geographic position, economic growth and military capabilities make it a cornerstone for regional stability and a critical part of promoting prosperity and advancing the security interests that our nations share,” he said.

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Last month, President Donald Trump promoted Gor, Director of Presidential Personnel, as the next US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs.

Gor pointed out that even when President Trump has been critical of other countries, he has consistently praised PM Modi.

”In fact, if you have noticed, when he has gone after other nations, he tends to go after their leaders for putting us in that position and for the United States imposing those tariffs. While the President has been critical of India, he has gone out of his way to compliment PM Modi. They have an incredible relationship,” Gor stated.

He further revealed that the two countries are not that ”far apart on a deal already on these tariffs.”

Gor also said that the issue between India and the US regarding the 50 per cent tariffs on Indian products should be resolved in a few weeks, even as Donald Trump is pressuring European Union leaders to ratchet up tariffs on India and China to punish the countries for Russian energy buys.

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Gor also addressed one of the administration’s top priorities: persuading India to reduce its reliance on Russian oil. ”To your point, getting India to stop buying Russian oil is a top priority for this administration,” Gor confirmed.

He noted that while the US and India face challenges in this area, the administration is committed to engaging with India to find a resolution.

”Bringing peace around the world is a top priority to this administration,” Gor continued, citing the president’s efforts to mediate conflicts globally, from the Middle East to Southeast Asia and even Ukraine.

With inputs from agencies