Sergio Gor, left, is congratulated by President Donald Trump after being sworn in as U.S. ambassador to India, in the Oval Office of the White House, Nov. 10, 2025, in Washington. | Photo credit: AP
US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, known to be a key member of President Donald Trump’s inner circle, arrived in India on Friday (January 9, 2026) amid a rift in trade ties between the two countries.
“It’s great to be back in India! Incredible opportunities lie ahead for both of our nations!” Gor, who will take office on January 12, 2026, wrote in a post unknown after your arrival.
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India’s commitment to a “balanced” trade pact with the United States, after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the India-US trade deal did not happen because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not call Mr Trump to conclude the final stages of the trade deal.
India and the United States have been in continuous talks, with both Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visiting Washington DC in 2025 for important follow-up discussions on the trade pact.
Before Gor’s arrival, Trump on Thursday (Jan. 8) backed a bill that imposed tariffs of up to “500%” on countries buying Russian oil and withdrew the United States from the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA), among dozens of other international organizations.
Gor had visited India for six days in October, days after the Senate confirmed his appointment. During the visit he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
With ANI, PTI inputs
Published – January 10, 2026 12:11 am IST