'US values India ties': Gor after 'incredible' meeting with PM Modi

NEW DELHI: In a rare gesture, amidst efforts to repair India-US ties, PM Modi Saturday received US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor , who delivered a message to him from President Donald Trump in the form of a framed photograph of their White House press conference earlier this year signed by the president as, “Mr Prime Minister, you are great!” PM Modi later said he was glad to meet Gor.

“I’m confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership,” said PM Modi. Gor responded by saying it was an honour to meet Modi, who is considered a “great and personal” friend by Trump, and the relationship with India will only strengthen over the months ahead. Gor also said that in his “incredible” meeting with PM Modi, they discussed defence, trade and technology. In the middle of a fresh US-China row over rare earths and critical minerals, he also discussed the importance of critical minerals and the “importance of that to both of our nations”.

“The US values its relationship with India, and under the strong leadership of President Trump and PM Modi, I’m optimistic about the days ahead ,” said Gor. Gor’s engagements on Saturday — including with foreign minister S Jaishankar, national security adviser Ajit Doval and foreign secretary Vikram Misri — have raised hopes of an early conclusion of the trade talks as well as a summit-level meeting. A diplomatic source said positive outcomes are in the works. It’s rare for the PM to meet an ambassador before the person has assumed office.