India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held detailed discussions with Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador-designate to India, ahead of Gor assuming his duties.
The talks focused on strengthening trade ties and reviewing Gor’s plans and priorities for the bilateral partnership.
The meeting took place at Mar-a-Lago in Florida and focused on broader bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
In a post on X , Kwatra said he was “happy to connect” with Gor and described their discussions as extensive, centered on their shared goal of enhancing trade relations. He also highlighted that they spoke about Gor’s plans and priorities for the India-US partnership as he prepares to take up his new role.
Gor, in a separate post, called the meeting “always a pleasure” and noted that it was Kwatra’s first visit to Mar-a-Lago, the residence of US President Donald Trump. The interaction comes amid ongoing trade talks between India and the US, with India close to finalizing a trade deal in response to US tariffs on Indian imports.
During his confirmation hearing at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Gor emphasised the strategic importance of the US-India partnership. He described India as “a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond” and stressed that New Delhi shares “more in common with the United States than it does with China.”
Gor highlighted India’s geographic position, economic rise, and military strength as critical to regional stability and a cornerstone for advancing mutual security and prosperity. “Under President Trump’s leadership, the US-India relationship will define the 21st century. It is only by working together that we can make that aspiration a reality,” he said.
He also praised the personal rapport between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling their relationship “deep” and “incredible.” Gor noted that while Trump has occasionally criticized India on policy matters, he has consistently praised Modi.
On geopolitical issues, Gor positioned India as a natural counterweight to Chinese expansionism, citing New Delhi’s concerns along the India-China border and across the Indo-Pacific. He stated, “India is concerned by Chinese expansionism. My priority, if confirmed, would be to make India a stronger ally of the US and ensure it is pulled into our side and away from them.”
Gor pledged to strengthen US interests through enhanced defense cooperation, fair and beneficial trade, energy security, and technological development. He emphasized restoring a “personal touch” in diplomacy, with active engagement from the President himself.
On energy policy, Gor has highlighted persuading India to reduce its reliance on Russian oil as a top priority. He emphasized that while challenges exist, the administration is committed to working with India to find solutions, underscoring the broader goal of promoting global peace.
Despite tensions over tariffs, Gor reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship. “India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond… our relationship is much stronger despite this hiccup,” he said. He also noted India’s critical role in ensuring regional stability.
Regarding trade, Gor stressed the need for India to reduce protectionist measures, promising to advocate for reforms that create a fair and reciprocal trade environment. He expressed support for “Mission 500,” President Trump’s goal of doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, highlighting its importance for US jobs and global competitiveness. Gor also emphasized the role of Indian investment in US pharmaceutical manufacturing to strengthen supply chain resilience.
Gor further highlighted emerging technologies as a key area of cooperation. He praised the US-India TRUST initiative and committed to advancing the administration’s AI Action Plan to maintain US leadership in AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors. “Our tech partnership can help us outcompete China and shape the global digital future,” he said.
