US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has said that the friendship between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “real,” adding that while the two leaders may disagree on issues, they ultimately resolve their differences.

In his first major public address at the US Embassy in New Delhi, India, on January 12, Ambassador Gor noted, “I’ve traveled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real.” He said the United States and India are bound not only by “shared interests,” but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels.

“Real friends can disagree but always resolve their differences in the end,” he added.

Providing an update on ongoing trade negotiations, Ambassador Gor said, “Both sides continue to actively engage,” adding that the next call on trade was scheduled for January 13.

“Remember, India is the world’s largest nation, so it’s not an easy task to get this across the finish line, but we are determined to get there,” he said, adding, “And while trade is very important for our relationship, we will continue to work closely together on other very important areas, such as security, counterterrorism, energy, technology, education, and health.”

Looking ahead, Ambassador Gor said his goal as ambassador is to pursue a “very ambitious agenda.”

“We will do this as true strategic partners, each bringing strength, respect, and leadership to the table,” he said. “It is great to be here as the United States Ambassador. I come to this remarkable nation with profound respect and with a clear mission to take the partnership between our two great nations to the next level. This is the intersection of the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy.”

Recalling his first visit to India in 2013, Ambassador Gor said the country left a lasting impression on him.

“I remember visiting some of the incredible places this nation has, of course the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Ranthambore, we even went up to Punjab, and many other places,” he said, referring to the “friendly people, the colors, the incredible history, the innovation, and the spirit” he encountered during that trip.

“I’ve never forgotten, and I’ve always wanted to come back. And what an incredible way to be back in this incredible nation as your next U.S. Ambassador,” he added.

When President Trump asked him to take on the India assignment, Gor said, “I was thrilled.” Reflecting on a recent dinner conversation with the President following New Year’s, he said Trump recalled his “incredible” experience visiting India and his “great friendship” with Prime Minister Modi.

“I also hope that the President will be visiting us soon, hopefully in the next year or two,” Ambassador Gor said, thanking President Trump for once again placing his trust in him.

“I consider the President a dear friend. America has never had a Commander in Chief like President Trump,” he added.

Ambassador Gor also shared a personal anecdote, recalling that when he first took on the role, someone at the White House asked how he would stay in touch with the President. He noted that President Trump often calls during the early hours of the morning, adding that “with the time difference in New Delhi, it might actually work out pretty well.”

He also referenced comments made last week by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said this year will be one of “reciprocity.” Ambassador Gor said the United States is raising the standard for diplomacy, emphasizing fair “trade, mutual respect, and shared security.”

During the address, Ambassador Gor announced a new U.S.-led strategic initiative launched last month known as Pax Silica. The initiative aims to build a secure and innovation-driven silicon supply chain, spanning critical minerals, energy inputs, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence development, and logistics. Current participants include Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Israel.

“Today, I’m pleased to announce that India will be invited to join this group of nations as a full member next month,” he said. “As the world adopts new technology, it is essential that India and the United States work hand-in-hand from the very start of this initiative.”

Reflecting on his previous role in the Trump administration, Ambassador Gor said that after President Trump’s 2024 election victory, he was asked to serve as Director of the Office of Presidential Personnel, overseeing thousands of appointments across the federal government.

“In our first year, we broke every record and filled over 95 percent of those positions,” he said. “So, in this new year, I once again thank President Donald Trump for putting his trust in me and what is a very important relationship for both of our nations.”

He also touched on President Trump’s interest in renovating and redecorating the White House, noting that the President remains active both globally and domestically.

“When I spoke to the President, I shared with him that I’d just driven past the beautiful India Gate,” he said, adding that Trump has discussed plans to build a ballroom at the White House, along with a structure inspired by Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. “And no offense to the French, but I think what we have here in Delhi might have even surpassed that,” he said.

Expressing appreciation for the reception he has received, Ambassador Gor said, “I thank the people of India for a very warm welcome. You are a resilient people. You are innovative. You are spiritual.”

Addressing staff at the U.S. Embassy, he expressed, “You and I have an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine diplomacy. What it can accomplish could be the most consequential global partnership of this century. No partner is more essential than India.”

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