US ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor on Monday underlined the strength of ties between New Delhi and Washington, saying President Donald Trump shares a genuine personal relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that the two countries remain firmly bound despite occasional disagreements.
“I have travelled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real. The United States and India are bound, not just by shared interests but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels,” Gor said.
“Real friends can disagree but always resolve their differences in the end,” he added amid ongoing negotiations over tariffs and a proposed India-US trade deal.
Recalling President Trump’s recent interactions with Prime Minister Modi, Gor said the US President often spoke of his visit to India and the personal rapport he shares with PM Modi.
“During my last dinner with him, President Trump recounted his last visit to India and also his great friendship with the great Prime Minister of India. I hope the President will be visiting us soon, hopefully in the next year or two. President Trump has a habit of calling at 2 in the morning, and with the time difference in New Delhi, it might work out pretty well,” he said.
“No partner is more essential than India. In the months and years ahead, it is my goal as ambassador to pursue a very ambitious agenda. We will do this as true strategic partners, each bringing strength, respect, and leadership to the table,” Gor added.
Speaking about the ongoing trade negotiations regarding the trade deal, Gor acknowledged that it is not “easy task” but both countries are determined to get it across “the finish line”.
Sergio Gor on Monday took oath the new US Ambassador designate to India and Special Envoy to South and Central Asia at the US Embassy premises in the national capital. He is set to present his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu this week.
In a public address before taking office, Mr. Gor thanked U.S. President Donald Trump, saying his mission in India is to strengthen the ties between the oldest and the largest democracies.
The Ambassador’s statement, made to hundreds of U.S. Embassy staffers in Delhi and Indian media was unconventional as Mr. Gor has not yet presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu. According to diplomatic protocol, Ambassadors are expected to make public appearances only after the credentials are presented. According to sources, President Murmu will accept the credentials later this week.
‘Real friends disagree but resolve differences’
Mr. Gor said that the “friendship” between Mr. Trump and Mr. Modi is “real” and the U.S. and India “are bound not just by shared interests, but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels. Real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end.”
“And while trade is very important for our relationship, we will continue to work closely together on other very important areas, such as security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health.,” Mr. Gor added.
