He's published books authored by Donald Trump, raised millions for his 2024 campaign, and helped him staff Washington with loyalists during the US president's second term.
Now Sergio Gor is set to become Trump's man in India, while also overseeing US relations with other South and Central Asian countries.
Last week, Trump announced that he was promoting Gor, his personnel chief, 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 comes at a time when relations between the two countries have become strained due to Trump's punishing tariffs on India.
Gor's appointment has evoked mixed reactions in India, with some observers saying that having a close Trump aide in the post is a positive sign for India-US ties. But others have questioned Trump's decision to share his India envoy with South and Central Asian countries, which includes Pakistan, with whom India shares a tense relationship.
Experts say that Gor's broad regional mandate threatens to expose India to an overreach by Washington in its affairs with Pakistan, including on the Kashmir issue - a red line for India.
The special envoy's additional designation will likely create some challenges, at least in India. India typically prefers not to be 'hyphenated' with Pakistan, says Alyssa Ayres from the Council of Foreign Relations, an American think-tank focused on US foreign policy.
Lawrence Haas, a former senior White House official, opines that it might signal to Delhi that Trump does not perceive the role of ambassador to India as a full-time position.
I imagine that India's leaders will feel slighted and insulted, which will further strain US-India relations, Haas added.
India found itself in a similar situation in 2009, when the Obama administration reportedly considered appointing Richard Holbrooke as special envoy to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.
Trump, however, is no Obama. Unlike his predecessor's caution, Trump openly claimed credit for brokering an end to a recent four-day conflict between India and Pakistan - a claim India denied, insisting no outside power played a role in the ceasefire.
The Trump administration has also been bullish in its demands from India in a prospective trade deal, seeking greater access to dairy and farming, sectors India has been keen to protect.
With Gor in India, it remains uncertain whether he will help smooth out existing tensions or reinforce Trump's more aggressive diplomatic tone. Some experts point out that having an insider could be advantageous for US-India relations, while others warn that Gor’s lack of diplomatic experience might pose challenges.
Gor’s background includes a history of loyalty to Trump, raising concerns among Indian officials about how he will navigate sensitive issues involving Pakistan and trade dynamics. The coming months will reveal whether his close ties to Trump translate into a beneficial relationship for both countries or aggravate the ongoing friction.
Now Sergio Gor is set to become Trump's man in India, while also overseeing US relations with other South and Central Asian countries.
Last week, Trump announced that he was promoting Gor, his personnel chief, 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 comes at a time when relations between the two countries have become strained due to Trump's punishing tariffs on India.
Gor's appointment has evoked mixed reactions in India, with some observers saying that having a close Trump aide in the post is a positive sign for India-US ties. But others have questioned Trump's decision to share his India envoy with South and Central Asian countries, which includes Pakistan, with whom India shares a tense relationship.
Experts say that Gor's broad regional mandate threatens to expose India to an overreach by Washington in its affairs with Pakistan, including on the Kashmir issue - a red line for India.
The special envoy's additional designation will likely create some challenges, at least in India. India typically prefers not to be 'hyphenated' with Pakistan, says Alyssa Ayres from the Council of Foreign Relations, an American think-tank focused on US foreign policy.
Lawrence Haas, a former senior White House official, opines that it might signal to Delhi that Trump does not perceive the role of ambassador to India as a full-time position.
I imagine that India's leaders will feel slighted and insulted, which will further strain US-India relations, Haas added.
India found itself in a similar situation in 2009, when the Obama administration reportedly considered appointing Richard Holbrooke as special envoy to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.
Trump, however, is no Obama. Unlike his predecessor's caution, Trump openly claimed credit for brokering an end to a recent four-day conflict between India and Pakistan - a claim India denied, insisting no outside power played a role in the ceasefire.
The Trump administration has also been bullish in its demands from India in a prospective trade deal, seeking greater access to dairy and farming, sectors India has been keen to protect.
With Gor in India, it remains uncertain whether he will help smooth out existing tensions or reinforce Trump's more aggressive diplomatic tone. Some experts point out that having an insider could be advantageous for US-India relations, while others warn that Gor’s lack of diplomatic experience might pose challenges.
Gor’s background includes a history of loyalty to Trump, raising concerns among Indian officials about how he will navigate sensitive issues involving Pakistan and trade dynamics. The coming months will reveal whether his close ties to Trump translate into a beneficial relationship for both countries or aggravate the ongoing friction.
