US President Donald Trump has appointed longtime ally Sergio Gor as ambassador to India, tasking him with navigating delicate trade and energy tensions between the two nations.
Gor was officially sworn in during a White House ceremony on Monday, with Trump emphasizing the importance of strengthening US-India ties.
"The tariffs on India are really high because of the Russian oil, but they have now substantially reduced Russian oil, so we will be bringing the tariffs down," Trump said, signaling potential progress toward a new trade agreement, CNBC reported.
He added that the deal under discussion would be "much different than we had in the past" and described India as a "very important economic and strategic security partner."
Gor, whose nomination was confirmed by the Senate on October 7, arrived in New Delhi shortly after his swearing-in and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The two discussed defense, trade, technology, and the importance of critical minerals to both countries, Gor said in a statement.
TRUMP ON SERGIO GOR SWORN IN AS U.S AMBASSADOR TO INDIA
— The Will Cain Show (@WillCainShow) November 10, 2025
“We have a fantastic relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and Sergio’s only enhanced that because he’s become already friendly with the Prime Minister… I know you’re going to have great success.” — @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/uK4ZR7folS
Experts Warn Sergio Gor Appointment May Heighten Risks
Trump highlighted Gor's key responsibilities, saying the ambassador would focus on promoting investments in US industries, expanding American energy exports, and deepening security cooperation.
"I am looking at Sergio to strengthen one of the most important relationships, and that is the strategic partnership with the Republic of India," he said.
India's ongoing imports of Russian crude oil remain a point of tension. Market data from Kpler showed Indian imports in October held steady at 1.59 million barrels per day, despite Trump's claim that they had "substantially reduced."
Analysts note that while Russia remains a trading partner, the US accounts for a far larger share of India's exports, making the bilateral relationship with Washington more strategically significant.
Experts also caution that Gor's appointment as a "political" ambassador rather than a traditional diplomat could accelerate negotiations but carries risks.
Alexandra Hermann of Oxford Economics noted, "A political ambassador may speed things up, but if opinion in either country sours, ties can become more volatile."
The backdrop for the appointment includes high US tariffs, visa fees, and previous trade disputes, which have at times strained relations.
According to FinancialExpress, Trump acknowledged the tensions, saying, "So right now they don't love me, but they'll love us again. We're getting a fair deal, just a fair trade deal. We had pretty unfair trade deals."
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