The India-US ties are undoubtedly at a very delicate stage. Therefore, the challenges ahead for the US ambassador are numerous. India wishes him the best!
‘Dilli door hai..!’ is a very famous Hindi proverb in India. But is Delhi far away for the US too? This question arises because it took seven months for the US ambassador to reach Delhi after the announcement of his appointment. So, should we now hope for the realisation of another proverb: ‘Better late than never!’ Will the new ambassador Sergio Gor be able to restore warmth in the India-US relations?
There have been instances of delays in the appointment of the US ambassador to India earlier too, but the issue is more significant now because the earlier warmth in relations has turned into bitterness, and the US is struggling with a crisis of trust. From the departure of Kenneth Juster in January 2021 until the arrival of Eric Garcetti in April 2023 -- a period of more than two years -- there was no US ambassador in India. The reason behind this is somewhat complicated. Joe Biden though finalised Eric Garcetti’s name, several allegations were levelled against him. The investigation into those allegations took a long time. Eventually, Garcetti arrived in New Delhi. But couldn’t someone else have been appointed and sent to Delhi in the meantime? US Senator Mark Warner had remarked at the time that while on one hand we talk about improving relations with India, on the other we are failing to appoint an ambassador. Back then, it was perceived that Biden wanted to send a message downplaying India’s status. Nevertheless, Garcetti eventually came to India and completed his tenure in May 2025.
President Donald Trump appointed his trusted confidante Sergio Gor as the US ambassador to India, but it took him nearly seven months to officially assume his duties. Meanwhile, the ambassadors to several other countries, including China, had already been appointed by December 2024. This again raises the question of delay. Moreover, Sergio Gor has been dual-tasked with the responsibility as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. This signifies that his role will be extremely pivotal. However, the question remains that amid these major responsibilities, to what extent will he be able to advocate for a fair relationship with India? Upon taking charge in India, he expressed the view that his top priority would be to improve the relationship between the US and India. I am hopeful in this regard because he is an individual with a direct connection to Donald Trump. He is considered one of the most powerful figures in Team Trump. Trump himself has mentioned Gor’s close ties with the Trump family and also showered him with praise on social media. Gor also shares a friendship with Trump’s son Donald Trump Junior. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that he might persuade Trump that it will be impossible for the US to keep China in check in this region without ensuring a warm relationship with India. Due to various other global factors, India can be a reliable partner for the US. In fact, over the last decade, this very perspective brought the US and India onto the same track. However, the relationship at present appears to have derailed, making the task somewhat difficult. Nevertheless, I am confident he will succeed because he possesses the art of making the impossible possible. He understands Indian culture well. He knows that India is a nation that values friendship and recalls how India supported Trump during his election. The mild-mannered Sergio Gor understands that ties and commerce between the two nations should flourish, and there should be genuine goodwill between their people.One thing is certain that the primary duty of any country’s ambassador is to prioritise his or her own nation’s interests. Sergio Gor is a staunch follower of the ‘America First’ policy. When Trump spoke of acquiring Greenland, and Donald Trump Junior visited the territory shortly thereafter, Sergio was right there with him. I mention this example so you can understand that even while stationed in New Delhi, Sergio’s heart will beat for America and there is nothing wrong with that. However, if he is to succeed in the responsibility of improving relations, he must also understand India’s interests.
People in India are asking: Has the US we trusted and worked with to improve relations given us a fair response? Why is the US still favouring Pakistan? China is buying oil from Russia, Europe is buying gas and the US itself is buying uranium, so why is the ‘tariff attack’ directed only at India? Now, there are even threats of 500% tariffs. Does the US want to control the world’s most populous nation through intimidation? Sergio Gor will have to find answers to all these questions and present India’s perspective to Trump. Only then will he succeed in his effort to pour sweetness back into the relationship. India’s best wishes are with him.
The author is the chairman, Editorial Board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha.