Sergio Gor takes a test to become youngest US ambassador to India

US ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor is all set to appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday for his confirmation hearing, which will be closely watched by India. The hearing is coming at a time when the White House is seeking to rush his posting to New Delhi to resume and expedite the US-India trade talks.

Given that Republican has a majority within the committee and in the overall Senate, Gor is expected to sail through his confirmation hearing. Last month, Trump announced that he was nominating Gor to be the next US Ambassador to India. He called Gor a “great friend” and someone he could “fully trust” to deliver on the agenda.

The 38-year-old’s appointment came at a time when relations between the two countries have become strained due to Trump’s punishing tariffs on India because of New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

Gor’s qualification might face scrutiny

While Gor’s road to New Delhi looks clear, his knowledge of the region is likely to be tested by opposition Democrats. If confirmed, the 38-year-old will be the youngest US ambassador to India.

In the past, he has not previously demonstrated any interest in or knowledge of the region. However, his nomination is being welcomed by New Delhi because of his perceived proximity to the President and the Trump White House, where he served as Director of Personnel.

“I welcome that President Trump is sending one of his most trusted aides, @SergioGor, to serve as the next US Ambassador to India. This move is viewed as a sign of the importance and priority of India-US ties, and a commitment to strengthen the bridges and deepen the bonds of friendship between our two countries,” India’s ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, said in a statement.

The nomination and hearing have also been welcomed by business interests, given the delicate trade talks currently underway between the two countries. Acknowledging that recent challenges have strained the relationship, Mukesh Aghi of the US-India Partnership Forum (USIPF) told The Times of India that sending an envoy of Gor’s calibre after an eight-month vacancy in New Delhi “will help deepen cooperation and reaffirm America’s commitment to this partnership.”