Sergio Gor, President Trump's nominee for the US Ambassador to India, made clear the United States' priorities during his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday. Gor, who is also nominated as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, addressed critical aspects of the US-India relationship, including trade, energy security, and strategic cooperation.

A key focus of the hearing was the state of trade negotiations between the two countries. Gor stated that the U.S. and India are "not that far apart" on a trade deal and revealed that President Trump has invited Indian commerce and trade ministers to Washington next week to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. He expressed hope that this meeting would lead to a "hopeful deal," noting that both sides are currently negotiating the "nitty-gritty". Gor also said that if confirmed, he will work to advance trade that is fair, reciprocal and beneficial to Americans.

However, Gor also emphasized that a "top priority" for the Trump administration is for India to cease its purchases of Russian oil. He stated that the U.S. "expect[s] more from India than we do sometimes from other nations".

Gor addressed the "hiccups" in the U.S.-India relationship, expressing confidence that these issues could be resolved. He also lauded India's role within the BRICS grouping, noting that India has often been aligned with the U.S. on various issues, particularly those related to moving away from the U.S. dollar.

Furthermore, Gor underscored the importance of the Quad, a strategic alliance between the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. He affirmed Washington's commitment to the Quad, calling it "vitally important" and suggesting that President Trump may travel to India for the Quad leaders' summit later this year. He also noted Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Quad Foreign Ministers within an hour after assuming office.

In the context of India-China relations, Gor stated his belief that the U.S. has a "much warmer relationship" with India than China does. He voiced his hope that India would be "pulled into our side, and away from that," referencing concerns about Chinese expansionism. He also stated, "Just five years ago, they were in open conflict. Frankly, they are concerned by Chinese expansionism, and Chinese expansionism is not just on the border of India; it's all over the area".

Introducing Gor at the hearing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the significance of the U.S.-India relationship, calling it "one of the top relationships the U.S. has in the world today" and highlighting India's central role in the Indo-Pacific region. Rubio also expressed the importance of having an ambassador in India who has the "direct ear and confidence of the President of the United States".

If confirmed, Sergio Gor, at 38 years old, would be the youngest American ambassador to India. He currently serves as the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office.