US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed Ambassador Sergio Gor as a trusted and dynamic diplomat whose close relationship with President Donald Trump would serve as a major asset in advancing India–US relations. Speaking at the reception held at The Kennedy Center in Washington following Gor’s swearing-in, Rubio described him as “a competent, energetic connector of people” and emphasized that his appointment to New Delhi reflected the President’s deep trust and strategic intent.
Rubio began his remarks by underscoring the growing importance of India in America’s global strategy. “India is an important country — an enormous linchpin of our Indo-Pacific partnerships,” he said. “It’s the most populous country in the world and incredibly important to the United States in terms of our international relations. The fact that the President chose Sergio for this role is no coincidence — he’s someone the President trusts.”
He noted that Gor’s appointment was part of a deliberate effort by the second Trump administration to build a cohesive and mission-driven leadership team. “In his first term, President Trump came in as an unorthodox candidate — a businessman entering politics for the first time — and he had to cast a wide net,” Rubio said. “This time, there’s a strong commitment to ensure that the team around him is fully aligned with his goals. Sergio represents that alignment perfectly.”
Rubio went on to praise Gor’s exceptional management and organizational skills, recalling his central role in staffing the administration. “It was an enormous undertaking,” he said. “He knew everything about every position, down to the sub-level roles, and he got it right 99 percent of the time. That shows incredible competence and attention to detail.”
The Secretary of State also offered personal insights into Gor’s personality, calling him “a hyper people person” and “an extraordinary connector.” He described him as someone with a “joyful spirit” who thrives on building relationships and bringing people together across cultures and continents.
Rubio lightened the atmosphere with a humorous anecdote about Gor’s confidence and sociability. “Once, during a trip to London, he just walked right up to Mick Jagger and introduced himself,” Rubio recalled, laughing. “He’s fearless, friendly, and genuinely enjoys people — and that’s exactly what makes him such a natural diplomat.”
Turning to the diplomatic significance of Gor’s appointment, Rubio said his direct line of communication with the President would enhance India’s confidence in the partnership. “When an ambassador can directly call the President of the United States — that’s an enormous sign of respect to the country they’re posted in,” he said. “It tells India that this isn’t a ceremonial role; it’s a trusted channel to the Oval Office.”
Rubio concluded his address by expressing optimism about the future of the US–India relationship under Gor’s leadership. “He’s already making an impact as special envoy to South and Central Asia,” Rubio said. “Three years from now, when we look back, I’m certain we’ll all be proud of what he’s accomplished. For me, as Secretary of State, it’s an extraordinary advantage to have someone like Sergio in that position.”
The event, attended by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and the entire Cabinet, was one of the administration’s most significant diplomatic gatherings. India was repeatedly described by both Trump and Rubio as “central to America’s Indo-Pacific strategy,” highlighting the renewed emphasis on strengthening strategic, economic, and defense ties between Washington and New Delhi.
