US President
Donald Trump’s nominee to be the American ambassador to India, Sergio Gor has said that India-US trade deal issues will be sorted within weeks. At a Senate committee hearing for the position of US ambassador to India, Gor said, “We're not that far apart on a deal on these tariffs.”
The US aims to settle the dispute with India in the coming weeks regarding penalties enforced on Russian oil purchases, according to the senior American diplomat.
"I do think it will get resolved over the next few weeks," Sergio Gor said during his Senate committee hearing, according to an AFP report.
"We're not that far apart on a deal on these tariffs", he said. Gor, who presently leads the White House Presidential Personnel Office, is a trusted associate of Donald Trump. He also said that Trump was 'crystal clear' that India should stop buying Russian crude oil.
Gor emphasised that whilst Trump has expressed concerns about India, he has consistently maintained a positive stance towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"When the president has been critical of India, he has gone out of his way to compliment Prime Minister Modi. They have an incredible relationship," Gor said.
In his commitment to American interests, Gor stated his intention to pursue balanced trade policies. "I will work to advance trade that is fair, reciprocal, and beneficial to American workers and businesses," Gor pledged. He expressed his dedication to improving market accessibility in India.
"I will advocate for reforms that will make India's markets more accessible and transparent. I will also work towards President Trump's ambitious goal, dubbed Mission 500, to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, which will expand American exports, creating jobs and prosperity for our citizens," he said.
During his testimony, Gor addressed the significance of counterbalancing China's economic influence. "Improving US-India trade ties will not only bolster US competitiveness but also reduce China's economic leverage over other nations," he remarked.
"I will encourage Indian investment in US manufacturing capacity, and we will also be furthering Indian investments in the United States. We'll also be furthering our strategic pharmaceutical supply chain and creating more jobs right here at home in the United States," he added.
Sergio calls India a strategic partner for US
The US ambassador-designate to Delhi, Sergio Gor, emphasised that India's role as a strategic ally will influence regional and international developments, whilst affirming his dedication to strengthening America's interests in this crucial partnership.
President Donald Trump's decision last month to elevate Gor, who serves as Director of Presidential Personnel, to the position of US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, marks a significant appointment.
Gor said, "India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond. Under President Donald Trump's strong leadership, I'm committed to advancing America's interest in this important partnership."
Upon confirmation, Gor, at 38 years of age, will become the youngest US representative to serve as ambassador to India.
He highlighted India's significance, noting that its geographical location, economic development and military strength are essential for regional stability and vital for promoting shared security interests between both nations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who introduced Gor, noted, "who is the nominee to India, which is, I would say, one of the top relationships the US has in the world today, in terms of the future, what the world is going to look like."
Acknowledging Rubio's introduction, Gor reinforced that India represents one of America's most significant global relationships.
He outlined his objectives, stating, "If confirmed as ambassador, I will work to deliver on the presidential agenda and advance US interests by increasing our defence cooperation, ensuring fair and beneficial trade, deepening energy security and furthering technology."