US President Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, a long-time aide, as the next US Ambassador to India. The announcement, made via a Truth Social post, also designates Gor as the Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Gor, currently the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, will remain in that role until his confirmation by the Senate.

Trump lauded Gor as a "great friend" who has been by his side for many years. He highlighted Gor's work in the Presidential Personnel Office, stating that Gor and his team have hired nearly 4,000 "America First Patriots" across various federal departments. Trump emphasized the importance of having someone he trusts to deliver on his agenda in the "most populous Region in the World".

Gor, responding to the nomination, expressed his gratitude to Trump for his trust and confidence. He stated that it was the "honor of my life" to represent the United States.

Sergio Gor was born Sergey Gorokhovsky in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on November 30, 1986. His family moved to Malta before emigrating to the United States. He graduated from George Washington University, where he was involved in conservative causes.

Before joining the Trump administration, Gor was active in Republican politics, working for figures like Steve King, Michele Bachmann, and Rand Paul. He served as a spokesman, communications director, and deputy chief of staff for Senator Rand Paul. In 2020, he became chief of staff of the Trump Victory Finance Committee and later worked as a consultant and book publishing manager for Donald Trump Jr.

Gor's appointment comes at a time when US-India relations have experienced some strain. Issues such as tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and India's continued purchase of Russian oil have created friction. Despite these challenges, some observers believe that Gor's close relationship with Trump could be a positive factor in the relationship.

While Gor's nomination has been welcomed by some, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, others have noted his relative lack of foreign policy experience. Some have also pointed to past controversies, including a reported clash with Elon Musk, who allegedly called him a "snake".

If confirmed, Gor will replace Eric Garcetti, who returned to California after the end of the Biden presidency. Gor will also serve as special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, a region where the US currently has no ambassadors in Pakistan and Bangladesh.