Sergio Gor gifts PM Modi framed 2025 note from Trump
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a framed photograph from United States Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor during their meeting in New Delhi on October 11. The photo, which was taken during PM Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump earlier this year, came with a handwritten note from Trump that read: "Mr Prime Minister, you are great." Gor was nominated by President Trump as the next US Ambassador to India in August and will assume office shortly.
Diplomatic optimism
PM Modi meets US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor
After receiving the gift, PM Modi expressed hope that Gor's tenure would strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. "Glad to receive Mr Sergio Gor, Ambassador-designate of the US to India. I'm confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," he wrote on X. The meeting comes amid ongoing trade tensions between India and the US, with Trump imposing high tariffs on Indian goods and changes to H1B visa policies.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
Glad to receive Mr. Sergio Gor, Ambassador-designate of the US to India. I’m confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.@SergioGor pic.twitter.com/WSzsPxrJXv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 11, 2025
Trade talks
Phone calls between Trump and Modi raise hopes for resolution
Despite the tensions, recent phone calls between PM Modi and President Trump have raised hopes for a resolution in trade negotiations. PM Modi praised Trump's peace plan for Gaza during one such call. In September, Trump was also the first global leader to call and congratulate PM Modi on his 75th birthday. The two countries have resumed negotiations for a trade deal after a brief hiatus.
Trade agreement
Former Foreign Secretary expresses hope for satisfactory mutually beneficial FTA
Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla expressed hope that India would reach a "satisfactory mutually beneficial" Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US. He referred to the "Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump" events, which showcased the friendship between PM Modi and President Trump during Trump's first term. In February 2025, PM Modi was among the first world leaders to visit the US after Trump's re-election.
Economic relations
Trade in goods and services between India and US
In 2024, trade in goods and services between India and the US was valued at $186 billion, with India enjoying a $41 billion surplus. However, India's labor-intensive sector exports are expected to drop by up to 70% due to US tariffs. Despite these challenges, Gor has hinted at President Trump's continued engagement with the Quad Leaders Summit later this year.