Sergio Gor was formally sworn in as the United States Ambassador to India on Monday at a ceremony held at the White House, marking the beginning of his diplomatic tenure in one of Washington’s most significant global partnerships. The swearing-in ceremony took place at 3:00 PM (local time) and was followed by an exclusive reception at The Kennedy Center, organised in his honour.
Nearly 80 senior officials from President Donald Trump’s administration attended the high-profile event, including members of the entire Cabinet, underlining the administration’s confidence in Gor’s appointment and its renewed focus on the US–India relationship.
The guest list featured some of the most prominent figures in the Trump administration: Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Health Secretary Robert Kennedy, Energy Secretary Christopher Wright, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, US Trade Representative James Greer, and US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro.
The evening reception at The Kennedy Center was described as both celebratory and symbolic, with the full Cabinet’s attendance serving as a signal of unity and endorsement of Gor’s mission in India.
During the event, Jeanine Pirro and Marco Rubio delivered remarks in tribute to the newly appointed ambassador. Pirro praised Gor’s character and unwavering loyalty to President Trump, remarking that his name, Sergio, means “protector” and “guardian” in Latin — traits she said reflected his leadership and public service. “From the halls of Congress to the corridors of power in the White House, and now to the world’s largest democracy, Sergio has made an extraordinary mark at a young age,” Pirro said.
Rubio echoed her sentiments, describing Gor as “an incredible connector of people” whose diplomatic skill and personal warmth made him uniquely suited for the role. “He’s the definition of a people person — someone who loves what he does and does it with heart,” Rubio said. He further stressed India’s central role in America’s Indo-Pacific strategy, calling it “a vital partner for the United States.” He added that Gor’s direct access to President Trump would ensure that US strategic interests in the region remain a top priority.
In his first official remarks as Ambassador, Sergio Gor expressed deep gratitude to the President and admiration for his leadership. “We have the most incredible president — not just of our lifetime, but in our history,” Gor said. “What this man does from the early hours of the morning until late at night is unbeatable. He’s making America safer and more prosperous every minute he’s awake.”
Gor also reflected on his recent visit to India, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing their interaction as “warm and forward-looking.” “Prime Minister Modi expressed tremendous respect and support for President Trump, and that speaks volumes about the strength of this partnership,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Gor pledged to deepen the US–India relationship, expand cooperation across trade, security, and technology, and strengthen regional ties. “For too long, this part of the world hasn’t received the attention it deserves — we’re going to change that,” he said, adding that his responsibilities would also cover parts of Central Asia.
On the topic of trade, Gor sounded optimistic about the ongoing bilateral negotiations, saying, “We’re making good progress and heading in the right direction.” He also spoke about his admiration for India’s culture, saying, “It’s the food, the history, the diversity — but above all, it’s the warmth and hospitality of the people. The way India welcomed me was unforgettable, and I can’t wait to return.”
The event concluded with a standing ovation as Gor mingled with Cabinet members and guests, a moment that signified not only the beginning of his diplomatic journey but also the administration’s renewed emphasis on strategic and cultural engagement with India.
