“Just before I left for New Delhi…”: Sergio Gor on Trump-Modi ties amid tariffs

Sergio Gor, the United States Ambassador-designate to India, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday in New Delhi, marking his first visit since being confirmed for the key diplomatic post.

Gor was nominated in August by President Donald Trump, just days before the US imposed additional 25% tariffs on Indian goods. His visit comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between Washington and New Delhi.

Key discussions: trade, defence, critical minerals

During his meetings, Gor discussed trade, defence cooperation, and critical minerals with PM Modi. Reflecting on the US-India relationship, he said President Trump considers Modi a “great personal friend” and highlighted a recent phone call between the two leaders before Gor’s departure for India.

“President Trump considers Modi a great leader and personal friend. In fact, just before I left for New Delhi, they had an incredible phone call. That is something that will continue over the weeks and months ahead,” Gor said, according to a statement by the US Embassy in India.

After meeting Jaishankar, Gor described their discussions as “positive” and said he looks forward to working closely to “deepen our strategic partnership and make our countries more secure and prosperous.”

Diplomatic gestures amid trade tensions

Gor also carried a framed photo of PM Modi and President Trump, which he presented to the Prime Minister. The picture bore Trump’s handwritten note: “Mr Prime Minister, you are great,” written with a bold marker.

The visit comes after a period of strained ties following Trump’s 50% tariffs on India, partly in response to India’s continued oil trade with Russia. Last month, however, relations appeared to ease after a positive exchange between Trump and Modi, with the US president emphasizing, “I will always be friends with Modi… India and the US have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about.”

Gor is scheduled to spend six days in India during his inaugural visit as ambassador-designate.