Sergio Gor, Director of the US Presidential Personnel Office and President Donald Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to India, has underscored the “deep friendship” between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a key pillar of US-India relations.

Appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Gor said, “Our President has a deep friendship with Prime Minister Modi, and that is something unique.” He noted that even when Trump raised concerns on trade, he consistently praised Modi’s leadership. “They have an incredible relationship. I’ve been with them in the same room,” Gor added.

On trade ties, Gor revealed that negotiations were in an advanced stage, stating that Washington and New Delhi are “not that far apart right now” on a deal, with discussions moving into the “nitty-gritty.” He also flagged energy security, pledging to work on curbing India’s purchase of Russian oil, while stressing that India is a “strategic partner” for the US.

Outlining his priorities if confirmed, Gor promised to strengthen cooperation across security, defence, climate, and technology, while also addressing trade frictions. “India is not simply a regional ally but a strategic partner,” he said.

At the hearing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Gor’s stance, describing India as “one of the top relationships America has today in terms of the future of the world.”

Gor, a close aide to Trump with strong conservative credentials, was formally nominated on August 22. Alongside the ambassadorship, he has also been tapped as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, underscoring the administration’s focus on India’s role in the region.

If confirmed, Gor’s appointment is expected to further accelerate the trajectory of US-India ties in trade, security, and strategic cooperation.