Trump Praises ‘Fantastic’ Ties with PM Modi, Calls India a Key Strategic Partner
New York/Washington: US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed America’s “fantastic” relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing India as an “important economic and strategic security partner” in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We have a fantastic relationship with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, and Sergio (Gor) has only strengthened that bond as he’s already developed a friendship with the Prime Minister,” Trump said during the swearing-in ceremony of Sergio Gor as the new US Ambassador to India, held in the Oval Office.
Vice President J.D. Vance administered the oath of office to Gor, with Trump presiding over the ceremony. It was attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Pam Bondi, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Senator Lindsey Graham, and Erika Kirk, widow of political activist Charlie Kirk, among other officials and lawmakers.
Expressing confidence in Gor’s new role, Trump said, “Sergio will achieve great success in India. Our relationship with India is very important. It’s a fast-growing country with a dynamic middle class and plays a crucial role in regional security.”
Calling India an “amazing country” with 1.5 billion people, Trump added, “As Ambassador, Sergio will work to strengthen our nations’ bond, boost investments in key US industries and technologies, expand energy exports, and enhance security cooperation.”
The US Senate had confirmed Gor’s nomination as Ambassador to India in October. Earlier in August, Trump had elevated Gor, then Director of Presidential Personnel, to the post of US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs.
As Special Envoy, Trump said Gor would serve as “a key emissary to a vital group of nations at the crossroads of East and West.” He also noted his recent meeting with leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the White House.
“We had an incredible meeting with Central Asian leaders last week, and I’m confident Sergio will make our country proud,” Trump said. “I’ve known him for a long time—he’s a great guy, very well-liked, though not by everyone,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
“Being Ambassador to India is a big deal,” Trump added. “Sergio, congratulations—I know you’ll do a fantastic job.”
Gor had met Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi last month. Modi, in a post on X, said he was “glad” to meet Gor and confident that “his tenure will further strengthen the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”
Gor had shared that meeting on X as well, writing, “An honour to be with PM @narendramodi this evening. Our relationship with India will only grow stronger in the months ahead.” During the meeting, he presented Modi with a framed photo of his joint press conference with Trump at the White House in February, signed by Trump with the note, “Mr Prime Minister, you are great.”
Jaishankar also expressed optimism after meeting Gor, noting that they discussed “the India–US relationship and its global significance.”
Relations between New Delhi and Washington, however, have recently faced tensions after Trump’s administration imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including 25% on Russian oil purchases.
