Trump ally Sergio Gor begins as U.S. ambassador to India amid strained ties

Sergio Gor, a close ally of President Trump, began his post as United States ambassador to India in New Delhi on Monday, saying "real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end" and emphasizing Mr. Trump’s "great friendship" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The appointment comes as U.S.-India relations have been described as at their lowest ebb in decades after a series of blows from Mr. Trump, including punitive tariffs over India’s purchases of Russian oil and frequent public criticisms that have left Indian officials struggling to read American objectives.

In his first speech in New Delhi, Mr. Gor said trade negotiations were continuing and that the sides were expected to meet again on Tuesday; he also said India would be invited to join Pax Silica and called the ties "the most consequential global partnership of this century." Mr. Gor, 39, previously ran presidential personnel appointments for Mr.

Trump and helped lead a publishing venture that produced the president’s books. His closeness to Mr. Trump could help New Delhi get its message to the president’s inner circle but is complicated by his separate role as special envoy to South and Central Asia, which includes Pakistan, a fact that has made Indian officials cautious.

Key Topics

World, Sergio Gor, India, Donald Trump, Narendra Modi, Pax Silica