Amidst tense relations and potential tariffs over India’s Russian oil purchases, Donald Trump nominates Sergio Gor, a Soviet-born aide, as the new ambassador to India.
President Trump has announced Sergio Gor, originally from Uzbekistan, as the next ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs.
Gor, previously the Director of Presidential Personnel, has been instrumental in the administration’s recruitment efforts and is considered a trusted advisor to the president.
Trump, in a social media announcement, lauded Gor as a “great friend” and loyal ally, emphasizing his contributions as Director of Presidential Personnel. He stated that Gor’s role was vital in achieving the goals set forth by the American people. He added that having a trustworthy individual to execute his agenda and “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” was crucial for the world’s most populous region.
Gor’s nomination occurs during a period of strained relations between the US and India, with Trump threatening tariffs on Indian goods due to the country’s acquisition of Russian oil. According to Politico, this appointment is intended to send “a powerful signal to the Modi government,” underscoring the importance of serious negotiations and direct communication from the president.
Born Sergey Gorokhovsky in Tashkent in 1986, Gor spent his early years in Malta before immigrating to the US in 1999. He attended high school in Los Angeles and later studied at George Washington University, where he became involved in conservative politics. He developed a career in Republican circles before becoming a key figure in Trump’s administration.
The Times of India reported a “muted response” to the announcement, with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar commenting only that he had “read about it.” Gor expressed his gratitude to Trump for his “incredible trust and confidence” following the announcement. He stated on X that serving the American people through the Administration’s work was his greatest source of pride.
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