U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said he held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on key bilateral issues including trade, defence, and technology.

Gor said that during their first meeting in India, the two also discussed the significance of critical minerals for both nations.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on most Indian exports — one of the highest rates applied to any U.S. trading partner. The decision affects around $50 billion worth of Indian goods, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, and the shrimp industry.

“President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi a great and personal friend,” Gor said during his first public address in India at the U.S. Embassy in Delhi.

“Glad to receive Mr Sergio Gor, Ambassador-designate of the U.S. to India. I’m confident his tenure will further strengthen the India–U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,” Modi wrote in a post on X.

Gor, who was confirmed last week by the U.S. Senate as both Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, said he had also met with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Although he has yet to officially assume his role as ambassador, Gor is currently on a visit to India from 9 to 14 October, meeting senior officials.

He also referred to the “incredible” phone conversation between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi before his departure for India, describing it as highly encouraging.

Modi later said that he spoke with Trump last week, noting they had “reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations” and agreed to maintain close communication in the coming weeks.

The tariff increase — from 25% to 50% — was reportedly in response to India’s continued imports of Russian oil.

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