Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, centre, greets officials upon his arrival at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, on January 12, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor took charge in Delhi, on Monday (January 12, 2026). In a public address before taking office, Mr. Gor thanked U.S. President Donald Trump, saying his mission in India is to strengthen the ties between the oldest and the largest democracies.
He also said that Mr. Trump conveyed his best wishes to “his friend” Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said that India and the U.S. are actively discussing a trade deal and the first call between the negotiators will be made on Tuesday (January 13, 2026).
Mr. Gor also said that India will be invited to join as a full member of Pax Silica, a new U.S.-led strategic initiative aimed at securing global silicon and high-technology supply chains.
The Ambassador’s statement, made to hundreds of U.S. Embassy staffers in Delhi and Indian media was unconventional as Mr. Gor has not yet presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu. According to diplomatic protocol, Ambassadors are expected to make public appearances only after the credentials are presented. According to sources, President Murmu will accept the credentials later this week.
‘Real friends disagree but resolve differences’
Mr. Gor said that the “friendship” between Mr. Trump and Mr. Modi is “real” and the U.S. and India “are bound not just by shared interests, but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels. Real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end.”
“And while trade is very important for our relationship, we will continue to work closely together on other very important areas, such as security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health.,” Mr. Gor added.
Published – January 12, 2026 12:40 pm IST
