WASHINGTON — India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, hosted a farewell reception at India House for Sergio Gor, who is preparing to take up his role as the U.S. Ambassador to India. The event drew senior American lawmakers and administration officials, underscoring the importance of the India–U.S. partnership.
Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representative Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, attended the reception. In posts on X, Kwatra said he was honored to host the gathering and expressed gratitude to members of the U.S. administration who joined the celebration.
Kwatra wrote, “Honoured to host a farewell reception for Ambassador Sergio Gor at India House tonight. Wished him well for his assignment in New Delhi. Grateful for the presence of Senator Risch… and Representative Brian Mast… Also thanked other friends and well-wishers… for their steadfast support to the relationship.”
He also congratulated Gor separately on social media, adding, “I wish you the best as you prepare to take up your assignment in New Delhi. Pleasure to join the celebration at Kennedy Centre last evening to mark the occasion.”
Gor’s appointment has drawn notable attention in Washington. Earlier in November, former President Donald Trump hosted his swearing-in ceremony at the White House. Vice President JD Vance administered the oath, with senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in attendance.
During the ceremony, Trump said the United States was close to finalizing a new trade agreement with India. “We’re getting close… I think we’re pretty close to doing a deal that’s good for everybody,” he said, emphasizing his “fantastic relationship with Prime Minister Modi” and calling India one of America’s most important international partners.
Trump added that India remains a vital economic and strategic security partner in the Indo-Pacific region. “It’s an amazing country… the fastest-growing middle class… an important economic and strategic security partner,” he said.
He also voiced strong confidence in Gor’s ability to advance bilateral ties. “I’m trusting Sergio to help strengthen one of our country’s most important international relationships… and Sergio has only enhanced that, because he’s already friendly with the Prime Minister,” Trump noted.
Gor thanked Trump for nominating him, saying, “I’ve been at your side for many years… I look forward to enhancing the relationship between our two nations.”
Confirmed by the Senate in October, the 38-year-old Gor becomes the youngest U.S. ambassador to India. A close aide to Trump, he previously led the White House Presidential Personnel Office, overseeing vetting for more than 4,000 federal positions during the administration’s transition. (Source: IANS)
