New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met with US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor in New Delhi, as ties between India and the United States remain strained over Washington’s recent imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports.

Sergio Gor, accompanied by Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas, is on a six-day visit to India. His visit comes days after the US Senate confirmed his appointment as the next American envoy to India.

What did Jaishankar say?

Speaking on social media, Jaishankar said, "Pleased to meet Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor of the US today in New Delhi. Discussed the India-US relationship and its global significance."

He added, "Wish him the best for his new responsibility."

What is the current state of India-US relations?

Relations between New Delhi and Washington have been under severe stress following President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent, including an additional 25 percent duty on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. India described the US action as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable."

However, recent phone conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Trump have raised hopes of a positive outcome in ongoing trade negotiations. India and the US recently resumed discussions after a brief pause of a few weeks.

Who is Sergio Gor?

Gor, the White House personnel director and a loyal member of Trump’s inner circle, was nominated as the next US envoy to India in August. Reacting to his nomination, Gor said he was "beyond grateful" to Trump for showing "incredible trust and confidence" in appointing him as the US ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs.

The US Senate confirmed his appointment this week. American officials have clarified that Gor will not present his credentials as the US envoy during this visit to New Delhi.

PTI inputs