Trump-Modi friendship real, India ‘essential partner’, says US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor

January 12, 2026

United States: Sergio Gor assumed charge as US Ambassador to India on Monday. He will present his credentials to President Draupadi Murmu this week. Gore, the Trump administration’s nominee, arrived in New Delhi in October 2025 and replaces Eric Garcetti.

“No partner more essential than India”

Amid ongoing tensions over trade and tariffs, US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said that India remains a vitally important partner for the US. He said, “There is no partner more essential than India,” and added that the two countries are in constant dialogue on trade.

Modi-Trump friendship ‘real’

Gore also spoke about the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, saying that the friendship between the two leaders is “real.” He described this personal bond as important in strengthening bilateral relations.

Initiative to include India in ‘Pax Silica‘

The ambassador-designate said that the US will work to include India in the ‘Pax Silica’ initiative next month, signaling further deepening strategic and economic cooperation between the two countries.

First public address in New Delhi

In his first public address since assuming office, Gore said, “It is an honor to be here as the Ambassador of the United States. I come to this wonderfulUS ambassador country with deep respect and a clear goal—to take the partnership between our two great democracies to the next level. This is the confluence of the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy.”

Trump’s Warning on Trade with Russia

Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose additional tariffs on India for purchasing oil from Russia. He told reporters aboard Air Force One, “Modi is a good man. He knew I wasn’t happy and he needed to appease me.”

Trump also said that India trades with Russia and “we can raise tariffs on them very soon.”

Russia Sanctions Bill Increases Pressure

Days after these comments, Trump greenlighted a bill related to sanctions on Russia, which would impose tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russia and countries trading with Russia for oil, petroleum, and uranium. This has further increased pressure on countries trading energy with Russia.