Washington ,August 23(HS):
In a surprise diplomatic appointment, US President Donald Trump on Friday nominated his long-time political aide Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador to India, while also assigning him the role of special envoy for South and Central Asia.
The 38-year-old Gor, once a behind-the-scenes enforcer in Trump’s political inner circle, has limited foreign policy experience but has earned a reputation as one of the former president’s most loyal allies. Gor oversaw the vetting of thousands of Trump appointees in Washington and was instrumental in sidelining figures who failed the loyalty test.
Announcing the move on his Truth Social account, Trump wrote:
“For the most populous Region in the World, it is important that I have someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador.”
Gor’s selection underscores Trump’s continued preference for trusted insiders over career diplomats, with the top State Department role for South Asia still lying vacant. The nomination comes amid escalating tensions with New Delhi over trade tariffs and India’s energy dealings with Russia—friction that contrasts with Washington’s decades-long push to elevate India as a key counterweight to China.
Support for Gor came swiftly from within Trump’s camp. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed the choice on X, tweeting:
“Sergio will be an excellent representative of America in one of the most vital partnerships our nation has in the world.”
However, critics note Gor’s lack of diplomatic exposure, warning that his appointment signals Trump’s reliance on loyalty over expertise at a sensitive juncture in India-US ties.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
