Amid ongoing trade frictions between New Delhi and Washington over punitive tariffs, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed India’s status as one of America’s most vital global partners. Speaking at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during the confirmation hearing of Sergio Gor, President Donald Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to India, Rubio underscored the centrality of India in shaping the Indo-Pacific order.

“India is one of the top relationships the United States has in the world today,” Rubio said, stressing that the future of global geopolitics will be written in the Indo-Pacific. He pointed out that the US had even renamed its combatant command to highlight the region’s significance, with India “at the core” of this evolving strategy.

Rubio acknowledged that India-US ties are undergoing “a period of extraordinary transition.” He noted that critical challenges — from the Ukraine conflict to security dynamics in Asia — require closer coordination with New Delhi. His remarks come against the backdrop of President Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian imports, citing India’s purchase of Russian crude. The move has strained relations, but trade negotiations are expected to restart next week.

Introducing Gor, Rubio emphasized the importance of appointing an envoy who enjoys the President’s confidence. He described Gor as “very, very close to the President” and uniquely positioned to push forward sensitive diplomatic and trade discussions.

For his part, Gor pledged to strengthen the India-US partnership, calling India a “strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond.” Recently promoted as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs alongside his ambassadorship, Gor said he is committed to advancing American interests under President Trump’s leadership.

Amid ongoing trade frictions between New Delhi and Washington over punitive tariffs, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed India’s status as one of America’s most vital global partners. Speaking at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during the confirmation hearing of Sergio Gor, President Donald Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to India, Rubio underscored the centrality of India in shaping the Indo-Pacific order.

“India is one of the top relationships the United States has in the world today,” Rubio said, stressing that the future of global geopolitics will be written in the Indo-Pacific. He pointed out that the US had even renamed its combatant command to highlight the region’s significance, with India “at the core” of this evolving strategy.

Rubio acknowledged that India-US ties are undergoing “a period of extraordinary transition.” He noted that critical challenges — from the Ukraine conflict to security dynamics in Asia — require closer coordination with New Delhi. His remarks come against the backdrop of President Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian imports, citing India’s purchase of Russian crude. The move has strained relations, but trade negotiations are expected to restart next week.

Introducing Gor, Rubio emphasized the importance of appointing an envoy who enjoys the President’s confidence. He described Gor as “very, very close to the President” and uniquely positioned to push forward sensitive diplomatic and trade discussions.

For his part, Gor pledged to strengthen the India-US partnership, calling India a “strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond.” Recently promoted as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs alongside his ambassadorship, Gor said he is committed to advancing American interests under President Trump’s leadership.