Sergio Gor's Arrival Signals Potential Reset in India-US Relations
Shashi Tharoor writes that Sergio Gor's official presentation of credentials as United States Ambassador to India this week marks more than a diplomatic formality. The 38-year-old ambassador enters a complex and challenging environment where traditional diplomacy has given way to hard-nosed deal-making. Gor represents a new type of diplomat who focuses on practical interests rather than lofty ideals.
A Relationship in Need of Restructuring
The current India-US relationship faces significant strain. Punitive tariffs reaching 50% have caused Indian exports to the United States to drop by 28.5%. These tariffs, combined with disputes over market access and India's energy partnerships with Russia, have transformed what was once a cooperative economic landscape into one characterized by caution and hesitation.
Gor's unique position as a trusted member of President Donald Trump's inner circle provides him with direct access that could prove invaluable. His presence in New Delhi offers India an advantage in navigating the revival of a strategic partnership that seemed to be faltering. The relationship had been suffering from trade friction, postponed Quad summits, and India's initial exclusion from the Pax Silica supply-chain partnership.
Immediate Challenges and Opportunities
The ambassador inherits a relationship defined by friction. Even if peace in Ukraine leaves India at 25% tariffs, Indian exporters would still face significant disadvantages compared to competitors like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, who face tariffs between 15 and 19 percent.
Gor must act as the chief restructuring officer of this relationship. His primary challenge involves resolving the tariff war in ways acceptable to India while not compromising President Trump's "America First" agenda. The transformation from perceived punishment to persistent partnership requires careful navigation.
Three Key Areas for Progress
Gor's tenure begins with some positive developments. On his first day in New Delhi, he announced India's inclusion as a full member of Pax Silica. This move corrects what many saw as a deliberate slight against America's most obvious technology partner in the global AI race.
Second, the revival of the Quad Summit in India presents a profound symbolic opportunity. India's turn at hosting the summit, delayed during 2025's trade tensions, must proceed if the Quad is to remain the primary vehicle for Indo-Pacific stability. A commitment from President Trump to visit India for this summit would be essential.
Third, and most importantly, a comprehensive bilateral trade deal could end punitive tariffs and bring them closer to the 15 percent that Britain enjoys. Such a deal would signal that the United States views India not as a target for correction but as a pillar of stable, alternative supply chains to China.
Additional Complexities
Other challenges complicate the relationship. Recent US warming toward Pakistan has raised concerns in India. President Trump's embrace of what he calls his "favourite field marshal," combined with reports of US interest in Pakistani cryptocurrency, rare-earth minerals, and the port of Pasni on the Balochistan coast, has not gone unnoticed.
Gor's additional role as special envoy for the region places him in an advantageous position to address these irritants. However, it could also create potential conflicts of interest if promoting good relations with Pakistan becomes as vital to his brief as strengthening ties with India.
The Path Forward
Gor began his tenure with optimistic statements, declaring that "no partner is more essential than India" and emphasizing his goal to pursue an ambitious agenda as true strategic partners. He spoke of a relationship anchored at the highest levels, noting that real friends can disagree but always resolve their differences.
To transform this optimism into reality, Gor must move beyond being a messenger and become an architect of solutions. He needs to craft a deal that ends the trade war before it potentially worsens with additional tariffs related to India's trade with Iran.
If Washington can quickly deliver on two strategic wins—tariff relief and a presidential visit for the Quad Summit—Gor could secure what he calls "the century's most consequential partnership." His arrival signals that a reset of India-US ties is within reach, though the path requires careful navigation through complex economic and diplomatic challenges.
The writer serves as Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, Lok Sabha, and chairs the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs.
