US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, who is part of President Donald Trump’s close circle, on Saturday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a great and personal friend” of the US President. Gor made these remarks after meeting Modi in Delhi during his six-day visit to India.

As a gesture of goodwill, Gor presented Modi with a framed photo of the Indian Prime Minister with President Trump at the White House. The photo bore a message and signature from Trump himself, reading, “Mr Prime Minister, you are great,” reflecting the President’s characteristic straightforward style.

Gor’s visit, accompanied by Michael J Rigas, the deputy secretary for management and resources, involves meetings with senior Indian officials to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. Besides his interaction with Modi, Gor held discussions with India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar and foreign secretary Vikram Misri. The talks focused on various aspects of the India-US strategic partnership, including defence cooperation, trade, and technology.

Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the meeting, expressing optimism about Gor’s upcoming tenure as ambassador. “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,” Modi wrote.

Although Gor is yet to formally assume his role—expected to happen after he presents his credentials in January—his visit is seen as a significant move by the US administration to reinforce and recalibrate the relationship between the two nations.

During his confirmation hearing in the US Senate last month, Gor had emphasized the importance of the India-US partnership, calling it “one of the most important relationships America has in the world.” He underlined India’s role as a strategic partner whose future will influence the broader region and beyond.

This visit and the positive exchanges underline both countries’ commitment to deepening ties across multiple sectors, highlighting their shared priorities and strategic interests as they move forward.