U.S. Ambassador Gor arrives in India, says ‘incredible opportunities ahead for two nations’

 U.S. ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, known to be a key member of President Donald Trump’s inner circle, arrived India on Friday (January 9, 2026) amid an estrangement in ties over trade between the two countries.

“Great to be back in India! Incredible opportunities ahead for our two nations!” Mr. Gor, who takes charge on January 12, 2026, wrote in a post X after his arrival.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India’s commitment to a “balanced” trade pact with the United States, after U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that the India-U.S. trade deal did not happen because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not call Mr. Trump to wrap up the final stages of the trade deal.

India and the U.S. have been in continuous talks, with both Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visiting Washington DC in 2025 for important follow-up discussion on the trade pact.

Ahead of Mr. Gor’s arrival, Trump on Thursday (January 8) backed a Bill mandating up to “500% tariffs” on countries buying Russian oil, and withdrew the U.S. from the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA) amongst dozens of other international organisations.

Mr. Gor had visited India for six days in October, days after his appointment was confirmed by the Senate. He had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the visit.

With ANI, PTI inputs