NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor in New Delhi and discussed the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States. Gor, accompanied by US deputy secretary for management and resources Michael J Rigas, is currently on a six-day visit to India following his Senate confirmation as the next US envoy.
“Pleased to meet ambassador-designate Sergio Gor of the US today in New Delhi. Discussed the India-US relationship and its global significance. Wish him the best for his new responsibility,” Jaishankar posted on X.According to the US Embassy, this is a short familiarisation visit and ambassador-designate Gor’s formal move to India and presentation of credentials will take place at a later date yet to be determined. He arrived in India earlier this week.In a separate meeting, foreign secretary Vikram Misri also met Gor and discussed the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and shared priorities. “Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met US ambassador-designate to India @SergioGor earlier today. They had a productive exchange on the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and its shared priorities. FS wished Amb-designate Gor all success for his assignment”, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.His visit follows an earlier meeting with Jaishankar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, where both reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.During his Senate confirmation hearing on September 12, Gor underlined the “deep friendship” between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a “unique strength” for advancing ties. “India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond,” he said. He added that if confirmed, he would prioritise strengthening defence and security cooperation with India.Gor’s visit comes as part of efforts to stabilise relations after recent trade tensions, following Washington’s decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports, including additional duties linked to India’s Russian crude oil imports. Despite the tensions, both sides have resumed talks on a possible trade deal after a brief pause, with recent phone conversations between PM Modi and President Trump signalling a positive tone.Gor, a close aide to Trump and former White House personnel director, was nominated as US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs in August.
