Post by : Rameen Ariff

New Delhi, October 11, 2025 – India’s external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar, met with the United States ambassador-designate Sergio Gor on Saturday amid growing tensions between the two nations over trade issues. The discussions come after Washington recently imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports, adding pressure to already strained relations.

Jaishankar and Gor, accompanied by Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas, held talks during Gor’s six-day visit to New Delhi. Gor’s appointment as the US envoy to India was recently confirmed by the Senate, following his nomination in August. He is also designated as the special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs.

Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to meet Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor of the US today in New Delhi. Discussed the India-US relationship and its global significance. Wish him the best for his new responsibility.”

Relations between New Delhi and Washington have been under strain since President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent. This included an additional 25 percent duty on India’s purchases of Russian crude oil. India has described the US action as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”

Despite the tensions, recent phone conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump have raised hopes of progress in ongoing trade negotiations. India and the US recently resumed talks after a brief pause, aiming to resolve differences and strengthen economic ties.

Sergio Gor, a trusted member of Trump’s inner circle, expressed gratitude upon his nomination, stating that he was “beyond grateful” for the trust placed in him to serve as the next US ambassador to India. American officials noted that Gor will not formally present his credentials during this visit but is using the trip to engage with Indian leaders and gain a deeper understanding of bilateral issues.

The meeting between Jaishankar and Gor highlights the importance of maintaining dialogue amid tensions, as both nations work toward resolving trade disputes while continuing to emphasize the strategic and global significance of the India-US partnership.

#Global