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Sergio Gor Arrives in India as Tariff Pressures Test U.S.–India Ties

His first task involves navigating tariff leverage tied to India's Russian oil purchases.

Overview

  • The ambassador-designate landed in New Delhi on January 9 and posted that there are "incredible opportunities ahead," with his formal takeover set for January 12.
  • Gor was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in October, sworn in in mid‑November, and previously met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, S. Jaishankar, and Ajit Doval during an October visit.
  • U.S. senators say President Trump backed a bipartisan bill that could allow tariffs of up to 500% on countries buying Russian crude, with a possible vote as early as next week.
  • Washington has already doubled duties on some Indian exports to 50% and added a 25% levy linked to India's Russian oil purchases, which New Delhi has called unfair and unreasonable.
  • Trade negotiations continue as India’s External Affairs Ministry disputed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s claim about a stalled deal, calling his remarks not accurate.