EXTRACTS FROM THE SEPT. 11, 2025, TESTIMONY BY SERGIO GOR, PRESIDENT TRUMP’S NOMINEE FOR AMBASSADOR TO INDIA
It is an honor to appear before you as the nominee for U.S. Ambassador to India at this pivotal moment in our bilateral relationship. India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond. Under President Trump’s strong leadership, I am committed to advancing America’s interests while strengthening this important partnership. India’s geographic position, economic growth, and military capabilities make it a cornerstone of regional stability and a critical part of promoting prosperity and advancing the security interests that our nations share. As Secretary Rubio noted, India is one of the most important relationships our nation has in the world. If confirmed as Ambassador, I will work to deliver on the President’s agenda and advance U.S. interests by strengthening our defense cooperation, ensuring fair and beneficial trade, deepening energy security, and furthering technology development for the 21st century. If confirmed, I will prioritize deepening defense and security cooperation with India. This includes expanding joint military exercises, advancing co-development and co-production of defense systems, and concluding critical defense sales. These efforts will enhance interoperability between our forces while supporting American defense manufacturers and making America more prosperous.
India’s population of over 1.4 billion and its rapidly growing middle class present immense opportunities for American businesses. From artificial intelligence to pharmaceuticals to critical minerals, the potential UNCLASSIFIED -3- UNCLASSIFIED for collaboration is vast; however, in the past, India’s protectionist policies and regulatory barriers have prevented us from fully realizing this partnership.
If confirmed, I will work to advance trade that is fair, reciprocal, and beneficial to American workers and businesses. I will advocate for reforms that will make India’s markets more accessible and transparent, and labor standards higher, ensuring that American companies can compete on a level playing field. I will also work toward 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. Strengthening U.S.-India trade ties will not only bolster U.S. competitiveness but also reduce China’s economic leverage over other nations. Of particular note, if confirmed, I will encourage Indian investments in U.S. manufacturing capacity for active pharmaceutical ingredients. India already provides 40 percent of all generic drugs purchased in the United States. With Indian investments in this sector in the United States, we can further secure our strategic pharmaceutical supply chain and create jobs in the United States.
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India is also a strategic partner in advancing critical and emerging technology. The U.S.-India TRUST initiative, launched in February by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, lays out a path to leverage the impressive capacity of the U.S. tech sector to out-compete China on the development of AI, quantum, semiconductors, and other critical and emerging technologies. If confirmed, I will advance the Trump UNCLASSIFIED -4- UNCLASSIFIED Administration’s AI Action Plan which will ensure the dominance of American AI technology in India and globally. Our technology cooperation will require significant energy resources, another area where the United States and India can work together. If confirmed, I will work to increase American energy exports to India, establishing the United States as a leading supplier of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas.
Finally, India’s role in ensuring the stability and security of the region cannot be understated. A stable South Asia is in the interest of the U.S. and all nations. Under President Trump’s leadership, the U.S.-India partnership will define the 21st century. It is only by working together that we can make that aspiration a reality. If confirmed as Ambassador, I will work to ensure the United States remains a global leader while fostering a partnership that benefits both nations. I look forward to working with you to achieve these goals.
Source: foreign.senate.gov