Sergio Gor to Visit India Next Week Amid Rising Tariff Tensions Between New Delhi and Washington

At a time when bilateral ties between India and the United States are under significant strain, US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, a close confidant of President Donald Trump, is set to travel to India in the coming days. His visit comes against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions and sharp disagreements over tariffs.

President Trump formally appointed Gor, 38, as the next US envoy to New Delhi in August, when he was serving as the White House personnel director. Since then, Gor has emerged as a key figure within Trump’s inner circle, entrusted with sensitive diplomatic responsibilities.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the US ambassador-designate is likely to arrive in India by Sunday. His visit is being closely watched by policymakers in both capitals, given the fragile state of India–US relations.

Gor’s foremost challenge as the new US envoy is expected to be the restoration of trust and momentum in bilateral ties. Relations have been severely tested after President Trump imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports. This includes an additional 25% levy linked directly to India’s continued purchase of crude oil from Russia.

In mid-November, Gor was sworn in as the US ambassador to India, following the US Senate’s confirmation of his appointment in October. His assumption of office marked a key moment in Washington’s efforts to recalibrate its engagement with New Delhi.

Speaking after Gor’s oath-taking ceremony, President Trump underscored the importance of the role. “I’m trusting Sergio to help strengthen one of our country’s most important international relationships, and that’s the strategic partnership with India,” Trump said.

Gor, for his part, described the appointment as “the honor of a lifetime” and said he was eager to work toward “enhancing” the long-standing partnership between the United States and India.

During the run-up to the 2024 US presidential election, Gor played a central role in Trump’s political action committee (PAC). His influence within the administration expanded further when he was tasked with screening political appointees for the incoming government, a position that significantly elevated his standing in Washington.

The post of US ambassador to India fell vacant after Eric Garcetti, who previously held the role, stepped down in January last year. The Trump administration subsequently moved to appoint a new envoy to manage one of Washington’s most consequential diplomatic relationships.

Notably, Gor had already made a brief visit to India in October, just days after the Senate confirmed his nomination. During his six-day stay, he met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaling early engagement even before formally taking charge.

India has strongly criticized the US tariff measures, calling them “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” In recent months, both sides have nevertheless been working toward advancing a proposed trade agreement that could help ease tensions and address New Delhi’s concerns over punitive duties.

As Sergio Gor prepares for his next visit, expectations are high that his diplomatic outreach could play a pivotal role in stabilizing ties and reopening dialogue at a time when economic and strategic cooperation between India and the United States remains more important than ever.