US Senate confirms Sergio Gor as India envoy, Paul Kapur to lead South Asia office

The US Senate confirmed the nominations of Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador to India and S Paul Kapur, an Indian-origin scholar, as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.

The Senate confirmed both Gor and Kapur in a single vote -- 51 in favour and 47 against -- among 107 nominees, even as the US government remained in partial shutdown.

Gor, a 38-year-old close aide to President Donald Trump and a key figure in the MAGA campaign, has also been appointed as Trump’s special envoy for South and Central Asia.

While Washington has not announced when Gor will formally assume his duties in New Delhi. His early arrival could come ahead of a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump at the ASEAN summits in Kuala Lumpur on October 26–27, where the two leaders are expected to discuss trade, defence, and the upcoming Quad summit.

GOR EYES BALANCED TRADE AND ENERGY TIES WITH INDIA

At his Senate confirmation hearing on September 11, Gor called the India-US partnership as one that would "define the 21st century." He pledged to strengthen trade ties, ensure fairness for American businesses, and address challenges in bilateral tarde.

"India’s protectionist policies and regulatory barriers have prevented (the two countries) from fully realising this partnership," Gor told lawmakers.

He also stressed reducing India’s dependence on Russian oil as a "top priority."

WHO IS S PAUL KAPUR?

In contrast to Gor’s political background, S Paul Kapur is recognised as a seasoned South Asia analyst and academic. A former official in the US State Department’s policy planning division (2020–21), Kapur has authored several works on Pakistan-backed militant groups, nuclear deterrence, and regional security dynamics.

Kapur has collaborated with the Observer Research Foundation in Delhi and has frequently visited South Asia for academic and diplomatic engagements.

Both US officials have an uphill task to resolve strained ties between Washington and New Delhi. Tensions have flared in recent months over multiple issues -- including the 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, sanctions linked to Russian oil imports, deportations, and the $100,000 H-1B visa fee for Indian workers. The US sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port project have further complicated cooperation.

- Ends

Tune In