US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor described his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "incredible", expressing optimism about strengthening bilateral ties despite ongoing strains from President Donald Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian exports. Gor, on a six-day visit to India from October 9 to 14 accompanied by US Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas, held discussions with Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, focusing on trade, critical minerals, defence, and technology.

"We discussed bilateral issues, including defence, trade, and technology," Gor told reporters after the meeting, adding that they also addressed the importance of critical minerals for supply chain resilience. The Senate-confirmed nominee, a long-time Trump ally and former White House Presidential Personnel Office Director, presented Modi with a framed photograph from a February White House briefing, inscribed with Trump's handwritten note: "Mr PM, you are great." Gor emphasised Trump's personal regard for Modi, stating, "President Trump considers PM Modi as a great and personal friend."

Modi, in a post on X welcoming Ghor, expressed confidence that his tenure would "further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership." The gesture underscored efforts to mend fences after Trump's August tariffs, which doubled duties to 50%—including a 25% penalty tied to India's purchase of discounted Russian crude oil—prompting New Delhi to label the measures "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable".

Bilateral trade, valued at $190 billion in FY24, has faced headwinds from these levies, affecting sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and gems, with India retaliating via WTO complaints and diversification strategies. Gor's early visit, unusual before formal credential presentation, signals Washington's intent to inject momentum into negotiations, potentially ahead of a Modi-Trump summit at the ASEAN-East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26-28. During his September Senate hearing, Gore highlighted the Trump-Modi "deep friendship" as a unique asset, while critiquing India's protectionism as a barrier to fuller partnership.

Appointed in August as both ambassador and special envoy for South and Central Asia, Gor—a businessman and Trump confidant with no prior diplomatic experience—brings a political lens to the role, raising questions about his influence on sensitive issues like the Quad and regional security. Analysts view his proximity to Trump as a double-edged sword: an asset for high-level access but a potential flashpoint if perceived as prioritising US demands. The visit follows a September 6 phone call between Modi and Trump reviewing trade progress and aligns with broader engagements, including Gor's planned meetings with business leaders and US Embassy staff. Amid these, India continues to balance ties with Russia—its top oil supplier post-Ukraine invasion—while advancing iCET initiatives on semiconductors and AI.

Also Read: Jaishankar Hosts US Ambassador-Designate Gor to Discuss Bilateral Relations

Gor’s optimism reflects a thaw, with both sides eyeing a mini-trade deal by year-end to resolve tariff disputes and expand market access. As the envoy prepares to assume his post in coming weeks, his role could prove pivotal in navigating the partnership's complexities, from countering China in the Indo-Pacific to fostering clean energy collaboration. The meetings signal a pragmatic reset, prioritising shared interests over frictions in this cornerstone relationship.

Also Read: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor Arrives in Delhi to Boost India Relations