US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has moved quickly to deepen India–US ties, using his early weeks in New Delhi to underscore the expanding strategic partnership. At a diplomatic reception hosted at his residence, he highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral relations and credited the strong personal bond between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump for helping secure last week’s interim India–US trade agreement framework.
Gor said Washington and New Delhi remain determined to move towards a bilateral agreement, following the announcement of the framework for the
India-US interim trade agreement last week.
Diplomatic reception
As part of his engagements in the national capital, Gor hosted a reception at his residence in the national capital, bringing together senior Indian ministers, members of the diplomatic community, business leaders, and partners from the US. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Commerce and
Industry Minister Piyush Goyal attended the event, along with over 75 ambassadors.
Sharing photographs from the reception on X, Gor wrote, “Hosted a warm reception at home tonight with dear friends from India, the diplomatic community, business leaders and partners from the US.
Hosted a warm reception at home tonight with dear friends from India, the diplomatic community, business leaders and partners from the US. Amid our nations’ renewed trade framework and deepening strategic ties, the real magic happens in these personal moments—where trust, ideas,… pic.twitter.com/4PKa5upV70
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 9, 2026
During the reception, Gor said the Trump administration is closely focused on India and credited high-level political ties for progress on the interim trade agreement.
“I’ve been here just a little over a month, and we hit the ground running. The White House is paying attention to India. Our President is paying attention to India. And thanks to the friendship of President Trump with Prime Minister Modi, we were able to get the trade deal across eventually,” Gor said.
Gor also met Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi. The discussions focused on strengthening strategic ties, particularly in semiconductors, electronics manufacturing and supply chain resilience. In a social media post, Vaishnaw said he looks forward to strong participation from the United States in the AI Impact Summit 2026.
A GREAT meeting! So many opportunities ahead! Very much looking forward to working with you. https://t.co/YKbwDBMH0j
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 9, 2026
The Ambassador attended the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and the USA at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 7, where he was seen with Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani. He also met ICC Chairman Jay Shah, later posting, “A pleasure meeting with @ICC Chairman @JayShah at the #T20WorldCup today. We discussed the exponential growth of cricket in the United States with our world-class infrastructure, star talent, and incredible fans.”
Following the event, Goyal struck a light-hearted tone on Monday at the reception hosted at the residence of Gor, joking that the US cricket team might have defeated India in their recent T20 World Cup match had Washington agreed to zero reciprocal tariffs.
Referring to the India–US encounter, Goyal praised the American side’s performance, noting its showing was impressive despite the country’s limited history with the sport.
India central to US global interests
Speaking on his first day at the US Embassy in Delhi, Gor said India plays a critical role in US global interests and described the bilateral relationship as being anchored at the highest levels.
“The United States and India are bound, not just by shared interests but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels,” he said.
Gor, who also serves as the Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, said President Donald Trump may visit India by next year. He described Trump’s relationship with Prime Minister Modi as “real” and said tariff differences between the two countries can be resolved.
“No partner is more essential than India. In the months and years ahead, it is my goal as ambassador to pursue a very ambitious agenda. We will do this as true strategic partners, each bringing strength, respect, and leadership to the table,” he said.
Interim trade agreement framework outlined
The interim trade agreement framework announced last week reaffirmed the commitment of India and the United States to a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) launched by President Trump and PM Modi on last year.
Under the framework, India has agreed to eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US agricultural and food products. These include dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products.
The United States will impose a reciprocal tariff of 18 per cent on goods originating in India, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber products, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal goods and certain machinery. Subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement, the US has said it will later remove reciprocal tariffs on select items, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts.
Gor formally assumed charge as the 27th United States Ambassador to India after presenting his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 14.
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