Washington, D.C.: Sergio Gor, US President Donald Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to India, told lawmakers that the US President shares an “incredible relationship” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi — one that has remained strong even amid trade disagreements.
Appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his confirmation hearing, Gor responded to a question from Senator Bill Hagerty, describing Trump’s rapport with Modi as “unique” compared to his approach with other world leaders.
“When the President has gone after other nations, he has tended to go after their leaders for putting us in that position and for the United States imposing tariffs,” Gor said. “When he has been critical of India, he has gone out of his way to compliment Prime Minister Modi. They have an incredible relationship. I’ve been with them in the same room.”
On trade matters, Gor noted that Washington and New Delhi are “not that far apart” from reaching an agreement on tariffs, though persuading India to reduce its reliance on Russian oil remains a significant challenge.
Meanwhile, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told PTI that talks between India and the US on a proposed trade agreement, which began in March, are progressing in a “positive atmosphere” with both sides satisfied with the pace of negotiations.
Trump and Modi Signal Optimism
President Trump has repeatedly expressed confidence that trade talks will yield a favorable outcome. In a post on Truth Social earlier this week, he said he was “pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations.”
He added that he looks forward to speaking with his “very good friend” Prime Minister Modi in the coming weeks.
Responding on X, Prime Minister Modi welcomed Trump’s remarks and said India and the US are “close friends and natural partners” working to conclude discussions at the earliest. He emphasized that the negotiations hold the potential to “unlock the limitless opportunities of the partnership.”
‘Pulling India Away from China’ a Priority
Speaking separately to reporters, Gor stressed that if confirmed, he would make it a “top priority” to strengthen US-India ties and distance New Delhi from Beijing.
“We will make it a top priority that India is pulled into our side and away from them,” Gor stated, highlighting that Indo-US relations remain “far warmer” than India’s engagement with China.
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