He's published books authored by Donald Trump, raised millions for his 2024 campaign, and helped him staff Washington with loyalists during the US president's second term. Now Sergio Gor is set to become Trump's man in India, while also overseeing US relations with other South and Central Asian countries. Last week, Trump announced that he was promoting Gor, his personnel chief, to be the next US Ambassador to India. He called Gor a great friend and someone he could fully trust to deliver on the agenda. The 38-year-old's appointment comes at a time when relations between the two countries have become strained due to Trump's punishing tariffs on India.
Gor's appointment has evoked mixed reactions in India, with some observers saying that having a close Trump aide in the post is a positive sign for India-US ties. But others have questioned Trump's decision to share his India envoy with South and Central Asian countries, which includes Pakistan, with whom India shares a tense relationship. Experts say that Gor's broad regional mandate threatens to expose India to an overreach by Washington in its affairs with Pakistan, including on the Kashmir issue - a red line for India.
The special envoy's additional designation will likely create some challenges, at least in India. India typically prefers not to be 'hyphenated' with Pakistan, says Alyssa Ayres from the Council of Foreign Relations. This appointment comes amid ongoing negotiations over trade and past conflicts between India and Pakistan, highlighting the delicate nature of US-India relations.
While some believe Gor's close ties to Trump could strengthen the relationship, others worry that his lack of diplomatic experience may hinder progress in an already strained partnership. As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes are on Gor’s actions in the coming months.
Gor's appointment has evoked mixed reactions in India, with some observers saying that having a close Trump aide in the post is a positive sign for India-US ties. But others have questioned Trump's decision to share his India envoy with South and Central Asian countries, which includes Pakistan, with whom India shares a tense relationship. Experts say that Gor's broad regional mandate threatens to expose India to an overreach by Washington in its affairs with Pakistan, including on the Kashmir issue - a red line for India.
The special envoy's additional designation will likely create some challenges, at least in India. India typically prefers not to be 'hyphenated' with Pakistan, says Alyssa Ayres from the Council of Foreign Relations. This appointment comes amid ongoing negotiations over trade and past conflicts between India and Pakistan, highlighting the delicate nature of US-India relations.
While some believe Gor's close ties to Trump could strengthen the relationship, others worry that his lack of diplomatic experience may hinder progress in an already strained partnership. As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes are on Gor’s actions in the coming months.
