The United States has underscored the centrality of India to its global strategy, with US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor stating that no other nation is as essential to Washington as India. Speaking at the US Embassy in Delhi, Gor announced that India and the US are set to restart the next round of trade deal talks from Tuesday, January 12, while also indicating that US President Donald Trump may visit India by next year.
or, who also serves as the Special Envoy to South and Central Asia at the US Embassy, framed the evolving relationship as one rooted in trust at the highest political levels, particularly between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Real Friends” at the Highest Levels
Emphasising the personal dimension of bilateral ties, Gor described the relationship between Trump and Modi as genuine and resilient. “The United States 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,” he said in his arrival speech.
Drawing from his experience travelling with the US President, Gor reiterated that Trump’s friendship with Modi is “real,” adding that this personal rapport strengthens cooperation between the two democracies. He described India as the world’s largest nation and acknowledged that while cooperation can be complex, both sides remain committed to moving forward.
Trade Talks Back on the Table
A key immediate development is the resumption of India–US trade deal negotiations. Gor confirmed that both sides continue to actively engage and that the next call on trade discussions would take place the following day.
“India is the world’s largest nation. So it’s not an easy task to get this across the finish line, but we are determined to get there,” he said, acknowledging the challenges involved while signalling resolve from Washington to conclude the negotiations.
While trade remains a crucial pillar of the partnership, Gor stressed that it is only one part of a broader and deeper relationship.
Beyond Trade: A Broad Strategic Partnership
According to Gor, India and the US are working closely across a wide range of sectors beyond commerce. These include security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health. This multi-dimensional engagement, he suggested, reflects the growing strategic alignment between the two countries.
Describing his mandate as ambassador-designate, Gor said his purpose is to take the partnership to the next level through an ambitious agenda that recognises India as a true strategic partner.
Trump’s Possible India Visit
Gor’s remarks also renewed attention on a potential visit by President Trump to India. Recalling a recent dinner with the US President, Gor said Trump spoke about his last visit to India and his friendship with Prime Minister Modi.
“This is the intersection between the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy,” Gor said, adding that he hopes Trump will visit India “in the next year or two.” He also spoke light-heartedly about Trump’s habit of making early-morning calls, suggesting that the time difference with New Delhi might work in India’s favour.
India as an Essential Partner
Reiterating the strategic importance of New Delhi, Gor was unequivocal in his assessment. “No partner is more essential than India,” he said, outlining his goal to pursue a highly ambitious agenda as ambassador. He emphasised that this would be done as a partnership of equals, with both sides bringing strength, respect, and leadership to the table.
Entry into the Pax Silica Alliance
In another significant announcement, Gor revealed that India will be invited to join the Pax Silica alliance as a full member next month. The US-led initiative aims to build a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain.
India’s inclusion in the alliance highlights Washington’s intent to integrate New Delhi into critical strategic and technological frameworks, further reinforcing its role as a key partner in the evolving global order.
A Relationship Poised to Deepen
Taken together, the resumption of trade talks, the prospect of a Trump visit, and India’s inclusion in strategic initiatives such as the Pax Silica alliance point to a relationship that is set to deepen further. Gor’s assertion that no country is more essential than India signals not just diplomatic warmth, but a broader shift in how the United States views India’s role on the global stage.
Source: The Times of India (TOI)
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