Trump to US India envoy Sergio Gor: 'You better represent us, not them'

Trump urges Gor to prioritise US interests

US President Donald Trump gave a pointed reminder to Sergio Gor, the Ambassador-designate to India, stressing that his loyalty should remain firmly with Washington.

Speaking at a joint news conference alongside FBI Director Kash Patel from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump remarked, “We have the new ambassador to India right here. They’re well represented. You (Gor) better represent us, not them… But Sergio is going to do a great job. He’s going to do a great job…” News18 reported.

Trump had nominated Gor in August as the next US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, citing his extensive experience in policy and international engagement.

Responding to a question about Gor’s recent discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump said, “I think they were great… Modi is a great man. He (Sergio Gor) told me that he (PM Modi) loves Trump.”

Gor met Modi in New Delhi on Saturday, where they discussed a range of bilateral issues, including defence cooperation, trade, and technology. During the meeting, Gor presented Modi with a signed photograph of himself with Trump taken at the White House. The photo bore Trump’s handwritten note: “Mr Prime Minister, you are great.”

Sharing an image of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), Modi wrote, “Glad to receive Mr Sergio Gor, Ambassador-designate of the US to India. I’m confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”

After the meeting, Gor told reporters, “President Trump considers PM Modi a great and personal friend,” adding that their talks also focused on critical minerals. “The US values its relationship with India, and under the strong leadership of President Donald J Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I’m optimistic about the days ahead for both of our nations,” he said.