He added that India and US are negotiating the “nitty-gritty” of the deal, and US expects “more from India” than other nations, highlighting the US concern on India’s purchase of the Russian oil, which has been cited as the reason for Russia to continue its conflict with Ukraine.
Gor also stated that India’s “protectionist policies and regulatory barriers” have prevented US from “fully realising the partnership.” He added that if his nomination is confirmed, he would work to advance trade that is “fair, reciprocal and beneficial to the American workers and businesses.””Improving US-India trade ties will not only bolster US competitiveness, but also reduce China’s economic leverage over other nations. If confirmed, I will work to increase American energy exports to India, establishing the US as a leading supplier of crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas,” Gor said.
‘India’s trajectory will shape region and beyond’
Gor, 38, was promoted as the next US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs by US President Trump. At the hearing, he said that he is “committed to advancing America’s interests” in the region, stating that a “stable South Asia” is in the interest of the US and all the nations.
“India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond,” he said. “India’s role in ensuring the stability and security of the region cannot be understated… The US-India partnership will define the 21st Century,” Gor added.
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“It is only by working together that we can make that aspiration a reality. India’s geographic position, economic growth and military capabilities make it a cornerstone for regional stability and a critical part of promoting prosperity and advancing the security interests that the two nations share,” Gor said, adding that he will work on the presidential agenda by increasing defence cooperation, ensuring fair and beneficial trade, deepening energy security and furthering technology.
‘Trump committed to Quad, meeting being discussed’
Responding to a question by a senator on the Quad summit that is scheduled to be hosted by India later this year, Gor stated, “President (Trump) is fully committed to meet with the Quad and strengthening it.” He added that the meeting is being discussed, while exact dates are not decided yet.
Following the growing rhetoric against India for buying Russian oil, by Trump and his trade advisor Peter Navarro and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, reports had suggested that Trump would not visit India for the Quad meeting.
The Quad is Quadrilateral Security Dialogue which comprises India, Australia, Japan and US. The group is a strategic partnership to counter China’s expansion into the Indo-Pacific region.
The speculations furthered when Trump shared a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO Summit in China’s Tianjin held on August 31-September 1, and said that India and Russia were “lost” to China.
Addressing these concerns, Gor said, “India shares a lot more in common with the US than they do with China, and for far too long, we have not had that ‘personal touch’… While we might have our moment of hiccups right now, we are on the track of resolving that. Our relationship with the Indian government, with the people of India extends many more decades, and it’s a much warmer relationship than they have with the Chinese.”
“Frankly, they (India) are concerned by Chinese expansionism, and Chinese expansionism is not just on the border of India, it’s all over the area. If confirmed, I will make it a top priority that India is pulled into our side and away from them (China),” Gor added.
India on America’s side within BRICS, says Gor
Gor stated that India is the key country among the BRICS group that has been on the side of the US as it has not pushed for moving away from the US Dollar.
“Indians have been on our side on various issues within BRICS, including several individuals in BRICS – Brazil, China have pushed for years to move away from the US dollar. India has been the stopgap for that,” Gor said.
“India is much more willing and open to engage with us than those other individuals that are in BRICS,” he added.
Gor also highlighted the “deep friendship” between Trump and PM Modi, stating that Trump may have “criticised” India but “complimented” PM Modi.
“If you have noticed, when he has gone after other nations, he tends to go after their leaders for putting us in that position, and for the US imposing those tariffs. When the President has been critical of India, he has gone out of his way to compliment PM Modi. They have an incredible relationship,” Gor told the senators at the hearing.
He further stated that there is a vast potential for collaboration between the two countries, adding that he will advocate for reforms that will make India’s markets more accessible and transparent. “I will also work towards President Trump’s ambitious goal dubbed ‘Mission 500’ to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, which will expand American exports, creating jobs and prosperity for our citizens,” he said.
Gor, however, emphasised that President Trump has been “crystal clear” that India “must stop” buying Russian oil.
