Trump Appoints Sergio Gor as US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South, Central Asia

In a major diplomatic and political move, US President Donald Trump has nominated his long-time aide, Sergio Gor, as the next United States Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. This nomination comes amid rising tensions between the US and India over steep tariffs and geopolitical disagreements, making the role particularly sensitive and high-stakes. Gor’s appointment highlights Trump’s intent to ensure loyalists take on critical global roles during his second term.

Who is Sergio Gor?

• Age: 38
• Background
• Born in Uzbekistan (former USSR) in 1986.
• Lived in Malta before migrating to the US in 1999.
• Attended high school in Los Angeles and studied at George Washington University.

Career Path

• Worked on John McCain’s 2008 Presidential campaign.
• Joined Senator Rand Paul’s RANDPAC in 2013 and rose to become his Deputy Chief of Staff.
• Joined Trump’s political team in 2020, later co-founded Winning Team Publishing with Donald Trump Jr.
• Appointed Director of Presidential Personnel in 2024.

Role in the Trump Administration

• Responsible for hiring 95% of federal appointees in Trump’s second term.
• Key figure in implementing Trump’s “America First” agenda.
• Close to Trump’s inner circle, having published several pro-Trump books and led key Super PACs like Right for America and MAGA Inc.

Context of the Appointment

The US-India relationship is currently tense,

• Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods.
• Criticism over India’s purchase of Russian oil.
• Post left vacant after Eric Garcetti resigned in January 2025.
• The dual role (Ambassador + Special Envoy) is unprecedented and has raised questions in New Delhi regarding the scope of Gor’s mandate.