US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his first official engagement in India since his appointment was confirmed. The meeting, held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, underscored the strong relationship between the United States and India.
During the visit, Gor presented Prime Minister Modi with a framed photograph featuring both Modi and former US President Donald Trump. Trump had autographed the photo with a personal message for the Prime Minister, writing, "Mr. Prime Minister, you are great".
Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the meeting and the gift on social media, stating, "Glad to receive Mr. Sergio Gor, Ambassador-designate of the US to India. I'm confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership".
Ambassador-designate Gor conveyed that President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi "a great and personal friend". According to Gor, Trump and Modi recently had a productive phone conversation shortly before Gor's departure for New Delhi. Gor emphasized his commitment to strengthening the ties between the two nations, stating, "It's an honour to serve as President Donald Trump's ambassador to India. I look forward to this very important relationship and continuing to grow and deepen the relationship between our two nations".
Prior to meeting Prime Minister Modi, Gor engaged with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss the multifaceted aspects of the India-US relationship and its increasing significance on the global stage. Both leaders recognized the unique strength of the partnership in advancing bilateral interests. Gor also met with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, where they discussed the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and its shared priorities.
In his address before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Gor highlighted India's strategic importance, noting, "India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond. India's geographic position, economic growth, and military capabilities make it a cornerstone of regional stability and a critical part of promoting prosperity and advancing the security interests that our nations share". He echoed Secretary Rubio's sentiment, emphasizing that "India is one of the most important relationships our nation has in the world".
Sergio Gor's ambassadorship follows Eric Garcetti's tenure as the US Ambassador to India from 2023 to early 2025. Garcetti, a member of the Democratic Party and former Mayor of Los Angeles, faced a delayed confirmation process due to allegations regarding his handling of sexual harassment claims against a former aide. His confirmation was eventually secured in March 2023.
Garcetti's background includes service as a councilmember and City Council President in Los Angeles, as well as academic work in international affairs. He is also a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve.
The current visit by Ambassador-designate Gor and Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas, scheduled from October 9 to 14, aims to address a wide array of bilateral issues with Indian government counterparts, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the United States and India. The US Embassy in India affirmed the United States' commitment to collaborating with India to foster a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
