NEW DELHI: Amid efforts to halt the downward trend in bilateral ties, US ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor is travelling to India from October 9 to 14 before officially assuming charge, according to an announcement by the state department. Accompanied by deputy secretary for management and resources Michael J Rigas, Gor will meet Indian govt counterparts to discuss a “wide range of bilateral issues”.“The United States will continue to work with India to strengthen our strategic partnership and promote a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” said the department in its announcement.
The US embassy here Friday also clarified that the recent American foreign military sales amendment does not include deliveries of new Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Pakistan or an upgrade to any of Pakistan’s current capabilities. It described as false media reports that Pakistan would receive new missiles.As the embassy said, on September 30, 2025, the department of war released a list of standard contract documents, which referred to an amendment to an existing Foreign Military Sales contract for sustainment and spares for several countries, including Pakistan.“The Administration would like to emphasise that contrary to false media reports, no part of this referenced contract modification is for deliveries of new Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Pakistan. The sustainment does not include an upgrade to any of Pakistan’s current capabilities,” said the clarification.On Gor’s visit, a US embassy spokesperson said that this was just a short trip and that his move to India and presentation of credentials will take place at a later date that is yet to be determined. Gor had met Jaishankar last month on the margins of UNGA.Gor’s appointment was confirmed by the Senate last week. His familiarisation visit is still significant as it comes ahead of the Asean meetings in Malaysia where PM Narendra Modi could come face to face with President Donald Trump, if they travel to the southeast Asian country. Both leaders had agreed to remain in close touch when Modi spoke to Trump on Thursday to congratulate him for the success of the Gaza peace plan.
