Washington: US President Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, his longtime aide and White House personnel director, as the next American ambassador to India.
The announcement comes at a time when Washington and New Delhi are navigating trade-related tensions.
Gor, 38, will also serve as the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, Trump said while making the announcement on social media.
“For the most populous region in the world, it’s important to have someone I trust to deliver on my agenda and help us Make America Great Again,” the president wrote.
A key figure in Trump’s political orbit, Gor played a major role in the former president’s political action committee during the 2024 campaign and rose in influence after overseeing the vetting of thousands of political appointees for the new administration.
According to Trump, Gor and his team have placed nearly 4,000 “America First Patriots” across government departments.
The nomination follows the resignation of Eric Garcetti as US ambassador to India in January, leaving the high-profile post vacant for several months.
Senior administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, welcomed Trump’s choice, calling Gor a trusted and capable candidate.
In his response, Gor expressed gratitude for the appointment, saying it would be “the honour of my life” to represent the United States in India and oversee regional affairs.
“Nothing has made me prouder than to serve the American people through the great work of this administration,” he posted on X, adding that he remains committed to Trump’s vision.
The nomination, however, has drawn some criticism from strategic experts in India, particularly because Gor’s role as special envoy will involve overseeing Washington’s engagement in South Asia, including its ties with Pakistan.
ALSO READ: Former NCC cadet from Guwahati selected for Indian Army Officer Training
Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal noted this could revive concerns of “hyphenation” between India and Pakistan, adding that Gor will likely coordinate with other US envoys in the region for an integrated policy approach.
Gor, a close confidant of Trump for years, has worked on the former president’s campaigns, managed major political committees, and published his books.
He will continue in his current White House role until the Senate confirms his appointment.
