Meet The Man Who Played Key Role In India – US Trade Deal

Article by Kumar Published on: 5:47 pm, 3 February 2026

After months of tariff tensions between the countries, US President Donald Trump announced the India-US trade deal on Monday, under which he declared that the reciprocal tariff on Indian goods would be slashed to 18% from 25%. The finer details of the deal are emerging. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the development and termed it “wonderful news” on X.

Amidst the buzz over the deal, one name is repeatedly popping up as the key architect of the deal — US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

Gor was the first to make the news of the trade deal public on X. Stating that President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Modi, he drew attention of the people with the catchphrase, “STAY TUNED..” Let us understand how Gor played a crucial role in Trump announcement on the much discussed deal.

Before formally taking charge, Gor, 38,  brought as a gift a photo of Modi and Trump, with the latter’s signature on it along with a message: “Mr Prime Minister, you are great.” After assuming charge on January 12, Gor reportedly told his embassy staff that real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end, hinting at the US tariff hike on Indian goods.

Since the beginning, Gor has been positive and within three weeks of taking the reigns, Trump sealed the trade deal. He did not make any accusations against India like some other aides of Trump, over the country purchasing Russian crude. Instead, he called India a resilient, innovative partner. He remarked that no partner is more essential than India. He said that his goal as an ambassador was to pursue a very ambitious agenda.

Gor’s importance in strengthening the ties between the US and India has gained significance as the deal comes at a time when the US imposed very high tariffs to the tune of 50% on Indian goods, which would show an immense pressure on the exporters.

Having held senior positions in the White House, Gor was also appointed as the Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. He pursued graduation in political sciences at George Washington University in the US. Though details about how he got close to the Republics are not known, he quickly gained Trump’s trust and turned into his close confidant and Trump called him a “great friend”.

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