New Delhi: The newly appointed United States Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, said on Tuesday that Washington aims to advance economic and strategic engagement with New Delhi, including ongoing discussions on a trade agreement and cooperation in technology and security.
Speaking after his arrival in the capital, Gor described the United States and India as the “world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy” and said he had come with “a clear mission to take the partnership between our two great nations to the next level.”
The envoy recalled his first visit to India in 2013 and said he had since wanted to return. He was nominated for the post by US President Donald Trump, whom he described as a “dear friend,” and conveyed Trump’s “warm wishes” to the people of India as well as to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gor said trade talks between the two countries were active and that the “next call on trade will occur tomorrow.” He added that “while trade is very important,” the United States would continue working with India on security, counterterrorism, energy, technology, education and health.
He also announced that India would be invited to join “Pax Silica,” a US-led initiative focused on building a secure silicon and semiconductor-related supply chain with partner nations including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Israel.
Gor emphasised the role of personal ties between the leadership of both countries, stating that the United States and India are “bound not just by shared interests, but by relationship anchored at the highest levels.”
Addressing embassy personnel, the ambassador said he sought to pursue an “ambitious agenda” as part of what he described as a consequential partnership. He said he looked forward to travelling across India and engaging with citizens, calling the nation “resilient,” “innovative” and “spiritual.”
He concluded by stating that “no partner is more essential than India,” and expressed confidence in the future direction of the bilateral relationship.
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