S Jaishankar Meets US Envoy-Designate Amid Trade Issues

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor in New Delhi on Saturday. This meeting comes amid ongoing trade tensions, particularly following the US's imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports.

Gor, who was recently confirmed by the Senate, is on a six-day visit to India. He arrived with Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas. Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in meeting Gor, stating, "Discussed the India-US relationship and its global significance. Wish him the best for his new responsibility."

The meeting marks Gor's first high-level engagement in India since his arrival. He is expected to present his credentials at a later date. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also met Gor, and they had a productive discussion on the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Misri wished Gor success in his new role, as noted by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

This diplomatic engagement occurs during a critical period as India and the US navigate significant trade disputes. The Trump administration's tariffs, including a 25 percent levy on crude oil from Russia, have been described by India as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable." Despite these tensions, recent communications between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump have raised hopes for a resolution to the long-pending trade deal.

Gor, a close associate of Trump and former White House personnel director, was nominated in August. During his Senate confirmation hearing, he emphasized India's strategic importance, stating, "India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond." He also highlighted the strong relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi as a unique strength in advancing bilateral ties.

As Gor prepares to officially assume his role, he aims to deepen defence and security cooperation between the two nations. His visit is seen as a step towards strengthening the strategic partnership across various sectors, including defence, trade, and technology. Once Gor presents his credentials to the President of India, he will officially begin his tenure as US Ambassador, following the customary diplomatic protocol at Rashtrapati Bhavan.