The US Senate has confirmed Sergio Gor as the next Ambassador of the United States to India with 51 senators voting in favour and 47 against in a single en bloc vote, despite the ongoing government shutdown.
Gor, 38, was among 107 nominees approved on Tuesday, including Paul Kapur as Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs and Anjani Sinha as Ambassador to Singapore.
A longtime Trump ally, Gor, was nominated in August not only to serve as Ambassador to India but also to take on the role of Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs.
Trump described him as a “great friend, who has been at my side for many years” and said, “For the most populous region in the world, it is important that I have someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us Make America Great Again. Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador.”
India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, welcomed Gor’s nomination, calling him one of Trump’s most trusted aides. He said the decision reflected the importance and priority the US attaches to its bilateral ties with India.
Known for his behind-the-scenes work in Washington, Gor served most recently as Director of Presidential Personnel.
At his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last month, Gor said India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond.
He stated that he is committed to advancing America’s interests in this “important” partnership.
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“Improving US-India trade ties will not only bolster US competitiveness, but also reduce China’s economic leverage over other nations,” Gor said. He further emphasized India’s crucial role in maintaining regional stability, stating that it “cannot be understated.”
“A stable South Asia is in the interest of the United States and all nations,” he told the panel, adding that the US-India partnership will define the 21st century.
