Ambassador Gor Highlights Trump's Affection for India Ahead of Future Visits

At the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit held in Washington on June 30, U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said former President Donald Trump "holds India in high regard" and considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi a close personal friend.

Gor recounted that just before a weekend, he accompanied Trump for a two‑hour meeting in Washington, during which the former president expressed enthusiasm about the progress he had observed during his previous trips to India. Trump, according to the ambassador, frequently reminisced about the warmth of Indian hospitality and the vibrancy of its markets.

The ambassador conveyed Trump’s desire to return to India should he serve another term, describing such a visit as a "natural continuation of an already strong friendship" that would further deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

A memorable anecdote cited by Gor involved a UFC event in Miami, where Trump, seated backstage, turned to the ambassador and suggested calling Modi at 6 a.m. the next day. Though the call was scheduled for the following morning, the incident illustrated the informal confidence with which both leaders interact.

Looking forward, Gor stressed that the United States and India are concentrating on delivering measurable results in trade, defense, investment and cutting‑edge technology, especially artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. He warned that the initiatives of the next two years will shape a partnership that is intended to last for decades, urging policymakers to treat the collaboration as a long‑term project rather than a short‑term campaign.

Gor dismissed online skeptics who claim the relationship is weakening, asserting that the factual record—ranging from joint military exercises to soaring bilateral trade—demonstrates a robust and resilient alliance.