'Real Friends Can Disagree But...': US Ambassador Sergio Gor Says Trump Likely To Visit India

Last Updated:January 12, 2026, 13:24 IST

Emphasising New Delhi's significance to Washington’s global strategy, the ambassador said that no other partner is more essential than India.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor (File photo)

Sergio Gor formally assumed charge as the United States Ambassador to India on Monday and underlined the importance of the India-US partnership, suggesting that President Donald Trump could visit India in the near future.

Speaking after taking over his new role, Gor said the relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was built on a strong personal foundation.

“I have travelled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real," he said, adding that ties between the two countries are anchored at the highest political level.

“Real friends can disagree, but they always resolve their differences in the end," he remarked.

Calling India a vital strategic partner, the ambassador said he arrived with “profound respect" and a clear mandate to deepen bilateral ties.

Describing the partnership as one between the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy, Gor said his goal was to take the relationship “to the next level" across multiple domains.

Gor also indicated that a visit by President Trump to India was possible. Recalling a recent conversation, he said Trump had spoken warmly about his last visit to India and his rapport with Prime Minister Modi.

“I hope the President will be visiting us soon, hopefully in the next year or two," Gor said, adding with a touch of humour that Trump’s habit of making late-night phone calls might suit the India–US time difference.

Emphasising India’s centrality to Washington’s global strategy, the ambassador said, “No partner is more essential than India."

He outlined an ambitious agenda focused on cooperation as “true strategic partners", with both sides bringing strength, leadership and mutual respect to the table.

Both sides remain actively engaged, Gor said, underlining Washington’s determination to conclude a long-pending trade agreement with New Delhi.

Gor also highlighted the US-led strategic initiative Pax Silica, describing it as a framework spanning critical minerals to advanced manufacturing, and announced that India will be invited to join the grouping.

Earlier, upon arriving in India on January 9, Gor had posted on social media that he was “great to be back in India" and spoke of “incredible opportunities" ahead for both nations.

However, Gor’s tenure begins at a challenging moment in bilateral relations. Several areas of cooperation, including defence, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals, require renewed momentum after recent slowdowns.

Trade and tariffs remain a major point of friction. Last week, President Trump approved legislation proposing steep tariffs on countries purchasing Russian crude oil.

India is already grappling with existing US duties, including a 50 per cent tariff imposed on Indian goods in August 2025, with a portion linked specifically to India’s energy imports from Russia.

Against this backdrop, Gor’s emphasis on dialogue, strategic partnership and personal diplomacy signals an effort to stabilise ties and steer the relationship back toward cooperation in the months ahead.

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