Trump Hails “Fantastic” Relationship With PM Modi, Calls India Key Strategic Partner
PakkaHyderabadi 
President Donald Trump, alongside Vice President JD Vance, swears in Sergio Gor as the new US Ambassador to India in the Oval Office.
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump on Monday reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.–India relationship, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “fantastic partner” and describing India as a critical economic and strategic force in the Indo-Pacific.
Trump’s remarks came during the swearing-in ceremony of Sergio Gor as the new U.S. Ambassador to India. The event, held in the Oval Office, was presided over by Trump, with Vice President J.D. Vance administering the oath.
“Fantastic relationship” with Modi
“We have a fantastic relationship with Prime Minister Modi,” Trump said, adding that Modi showed keen interest after learning of Gor’s nomination.
“Knowing that Sergio is going to be the Ambassador, they would call constantly to say, ‘Let’s get to know this man,’ and they like what they see,” Trump remarked.
The ceremony was attended by senior members of Trump’s cabinet including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Senator Lindsey Graham, and Erika Kirk.
India a major Indo-Pacific partner
Calling India “an amazing country” with a rapidly expanding middle class, Trump stressed its growing importance in global geopolitics.
“India has the fastest-growing middle class and is an important economic and strategic security partner in the Indo-Pacific region,” Trump said.
He added that Gor’s mission will include expanding defense ties, boosting American energy exports, and promoting U.S. investment in India’s core technologies.
Gor to serve dual role as envoy and special representative
Gor was confirmed by the Senate in October. Trump also appointed him Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, expanding his portfolio to a broader geopolitical landscape.
“In this role, Sergio will be a key emissary to a very important group of nations at the crossroads between East and West,” Trump said.
Last week, Trump hosted the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the White House — a meeting he described as “amazing.”
Meeting with Modi and Jaishankar
Gor met Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi last month.
Modi said he was “glad” to receive Gor and expressed confidence that “his tenure will further strengthen the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”
Gor presented Modi with a framed photograph from Modi and Trump’s joint press conference at the White House. Trump had inscribed it with the message:
“Mr. Prime Minister, you are great.”
Jaishankar also welcomed Gor’s appointment, describing the discussion on bilateral ties as significant.
Tensions simmer over tariffs
Despite warm diplomatic exchanges, U.S.–India relations have been under strain following Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% levy on crude purchased from Russia. The move triggered economic friction between the two countries even as both sides continue to emphasize broader strategic alignment.
