US Appoints Sergio Gor as Ambassador to India: Powerful Move or Cause for Concern?

US President Donald Trump has named his close ally Sergio Gor as the new US ambassador to India. Currently, Gor is serving as the Head of Presidential Personal Appointments in the Trump administration. His appointment still needs approval from the US Senate, and until then, he will continue in his current role. Gor’s appointment comes at a time when India is in a tariff dispute with the US, drawing widespread attention. For the first time, a US ambassador in India has also been given the role of special envoy for all of South and Central Asia, making Gor potentially the most powerful American ambassador to India so far.

Special Envoy Role Expands Authority and Scope

Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal explained on social media platform X the key reasons behind this dual role. According to Sibal, Gor’s new responsibilities mean he will not only oversee US relations with India but also monitor relationships across neighbouring countries, including Pakistan. This implies that any US policy regarding India will also be coordinated with other countries in the region.

Why India Is Concerned

Sibal pointed out that this is where India’s concern begins. New Delhi has always opposed being linked with Pakistan in such diplomatic arrangements. In 2009, India firmly declined when US diplomat Richard Holbrooke was appointed as Special Envoy for India-Pakistan affairs. However, this time the situation is different because the US ambassador stationed in India has been given this extra responsibility, making it difficult for India to object directly. This combined responsibility may influence the US’s strategic focus in the Indo-Pacific region.

Who Is Sergio Gor?

Sergio Gor was born in Uzbekistan when it was still part of the Soviet Union. Later, his family moved to Malta. He studied in the United States and became active in Republican Party politics. He has worked with Senator Rand Paul, participated in fundraising, published books, and even worked as a DJ at weddings as a hobby. Gor has had a long-standing close relationship with Donald Trump. Until the US Senate approves his ambassadorial appointment, he will continue in his current position.