US ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor calls country a vital partner amid trade tensions

Washington regards India as a vital partner, and both countries are actively working to finalize a trade deal, US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said on Monday, speaking at a ceremony with US embassy staff in New Delhi . Emphasizing the enduring friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, he added, “Real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end.”

“India is the world’s largest nation. So it’s not an easy task to get this across the finish line, but we are determined to get there,” Gor said, referring to ongoing trade negotiations . He noted that while trade remains a key pillar of the bilateral relationship, the two nations will continue close cooperation in areas including security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health.

Sharing his personal experience, Gor said, “I have traveled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real.”

Gor also serves as the U.S. special envoy for South and Central Asia , covering countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. In a major strategic move, Gor revealed that India will soon join the Pax Silica alliance , a U.S.-led initiative established in December 2025 to build a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain . The alliance focuses on critical minerals, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy, and logistics. He said, “I am pleased to announce that India will be invited to join this group of nations as a full member next month.” The initiative currently includes countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia.

However, Gor’s positive remarks come amid trade tensions over India’s energy imports from Russia . India currently faces 50 percent tariffs on many exports to the U.S. , linked to its purchase of Russian oil. Reports indicate that a proposed U.S. law could allow tariffs as high as 500 percent if India continues importing Russian petroleum, highlighting a significant gap between diplomatic statements and potential policy actions. Analysts say such a law, if enacted, could severely impact Indian exports and strain bilateral trade.

Despite these challenges, Gor framed India’s participation in Pax Silica and ongoing cooperation as part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional ties and advance shared interests in economic growth, technological leadership, and regional stability , describing the coming years as an opportunity for both nations to act as “true strategic partners.”