'Mr Prime Minister, you are great', writes Trump on framed photo with PM Modi

New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) "Mr Prime Minister, you are great," read a signed message by US President Donald Trump on his photograph with Prime Minister Narendra Modi which was gifted to PM Modi by US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, on Saturday.

The photograph was clicked during the White House presser held by both leaders following their talks held earlier this year.

"An honour to be with PM Narendra Modi this evening. Our relationship with India will only strengthen over the months ahead!" Gor posted on X after the meeting.

He added that his meeting with Prime Minister Modi was "incredible" as both discussed trade, critical minerals and defence.

Gor held a series of meetings on Saturday before calling on PM Modi in the evening.

"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," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.

Gor and Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas are travelling to India from October 9 to 14. During their stay in India, they will meet with Indian government counterparts to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues.

"The United States will continue to work with India to strengthen our strategic partnership and promote a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region," read a statement issued by the US Embassy in India.

Earlier in the day, Gor met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar as both discussed India-US relationship and its global significance.

Following the meeting, EAM Jaishankar took to X and posted, "Pleased to meet Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor of the US today in New Delhi. Discussed the India-US relationship and its global significance. Wish him the best for his new responsibility."

The US Ambassador-designate also met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

"They had a productive exchange on the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and its shared priorities. FS wished Amb-designate Gor all success for his assignment," stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X.

Gor was formally nominated as the US Ambassador to India on August 22 and confirmed by the US Senate on October 7.

His visit comes at a time when India-US relations are navigating a complex phase, marked by rising H1B visa costs and uncertainty over tariff measures imposed by the Donald Trump administration.

38-year-old Gor, the youngest US Ambassador to India, is considered one of the closest aides of Trump and was earlier the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, entrusted with vetting more than 4,000 posts in the new Trump administration.

Gor would also serve as a special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs.

--IANS

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