New Delhi: The United States views India as its most critical global partner, US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said on Monday, underlining the depth of bilateral ties while announcing that India-US trade negotiations will resume from January 12. Gor also indicated that President Donald Trump could visit India within the next year, signalling renewed momentum in diplomatic engagement.
Speaking at the US Embassy in New Delhi, Gor, who also serves as the Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, said the relationship between Washington and New Delhi is rooted in leadership-level trust and strategic convergence. He described the bond between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as genuine and resilient.
“The United States and India are bound not just by shared interests, but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels. Real friends can disagree, but they always resolve their differences,” Gor said during his address.
He acknowledged that finalising a comprehensive trade agreement would be challenging but stressed Washington’s determination to move negotiations forward. “India is the world’s largest nation. That makes this complex, but we are committed to getting it across the finish line,” he said, adding that officials from both sides remain in active engagement.
Beyond trade, Gor highlighted cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and healthcare, calling the partnership multidimensional and strategically vital. He said his role as ambassador would be focused on elevating the relationship to a new level.
Referring to President Trump’s personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi, Gor said he had witnessed the connection firsthand. “I’ve travelled extensively with President Trump, and I can say with confidence that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real,” he noted.
On a possible presidential visit, Gor said discussions were underway. “President Trump fondly recalls his previous visit to India. I hope he will be visiting again, hopefully in the next year or two,” he said, adding humorously that late-night calls from Trump might align well with India’s time zone.
Reiterating India’s strategic importance, Gor said, “No partner is more essential than India. In the months and years ahead, my goal is to pursue an ambitious agenda where we work as true strategic partners, bringing strength and leadership to the table.”
Gor also announced that India will be invited to join the Pax Silica alliance, a US-led initiative aimed at creating a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven global semiconductor supply chain. India is expected to become a full member next month.
The statements come at a crucial juncture as both nations seek to strengthen economic ties, reinforce strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and align on emerging technologies amid shifting global dynamics.
