Sergio Gor Emphasizes Modi Ties, Quad, Regional Security At Senate Hearing

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – The United States is moving closer to a trade deal with India, according to Sergio Gor, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to India. Speaking at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on September 11, Gor said Washington has invited an Indian delegation to Washington next week to finalize discussions.

“We’re actively negotiating with the Indians right now. In fact, the President has invited their commerce and trade ministers to come visit us next week, and he’ll be meeting with Ambassador Greer here in Washington. Part of that will include a hopeful deal. We’re not that far apart right now on a deal. In fact, they’re negotiating the nitty-gritty of a deal,” Gor said. He also underscored that India remains a strategic partner and pledged to strengthen ties across trade, security, and shared democratic values if confirmed.

Gor emphasized the importance of the Quad, the strategic grouping of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, calling it “vitally important” for regional stability. He hinted that President Trump could travel to India for the upcoming Quad leaders’ summit scheduled later this year.

Highlighting bipartisan support for stronger ties with India, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised India as “one of the top relationships America has today in terms of the future of the world” during the hearing. Gor noted that curbing India’s purchase of Russian oil remains a top U.S. priority and reiterated that, despite past trade frictions, Washington and New Delhi are “not that far apart right now” on reaching an agreement.

Turning to bilateral relations, Gor described President Trump’s connection with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “deep friendship” that has endured even amid trade criticisms. “Our President has a deep friendship with Prime Minister Modi, and that is something unique,” Gor said. He highlighted Modi’s leadership and India’s role as a stabilizing partner in regional and global affairs, particularly in countering Chinese expansionism and engaging in BRICS discussions.

Gor currently serves as director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office and was nominated for the ambassadorship on August 22, alongside an additional role as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Known for his loyalty to Trump and with strong conservative credentials, his appointment is being closely watched in both Washington and New Delhi. (IANS)