Critics say Sergio Gor’s dual role as envoy and regional special envoy signals a downgrade of India’s status amid strained bilateral ties.
By AB Wire
Indian social media has spoken — and it is largely not happy with President Trump’s choice of Sergio Gor as Washington’s next ambassador to New Delhi.
The president announced Friday that he will nominate 38-year-old Gor, who currently serves in the White House Presidential Personnel Office, to serve as his envoy to India. Gor will also hold the title of special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs—a move many online critics see as downgrading the importance of the Delhi post.
Trump’s pick comes at a time when U.S.-India relations are at their lowest point in 25 years, strained further by his recent imposition of a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods and an additional 25 percent surcharge over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.
Against this backdrop of trade tensions, reactions to Gor’s appointment have been especially sharp.
Many Indian influencers and commentators had already been sharply critical of the Trump administration. Their reactions to Gor’s appointment should be seen through that lens, as the nomination comes amid simmering resentment over what many in India view as an unnecessarily punitive trade stance by Washington.
For them, the choice of ambassador appears to reinforce a broader narrative of disregard for India’s strategic importance at a time of already strained relations.
This sentiment was echoed by prominent foreign policy commentator Brahma Chellany, who argued, on X, “Trump waited over seven months — until U.S.-India ties had sunk to a new low — to name an ambassador to India. By doubling the nominee’s role as special envoy for South and Central Asia, Washington signals a throwback to the Cold War era that bracketed India with Pakistan. America weakens its own hand by reducing India from a global partner to a South Asian player.”
Trump waited over seven months — until U.S.-India ties had sunk to a new low — to name an ambassador to India. By doubling the nominee’s role as special envoy for South and Central Asia, Washington signals a throwback to the Cold War era that bracketed India with Pakistan.…
— Dr. Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) August 23, 2025
To be fair to the administration, successive U.S. governments have often taken time to nominate full-fledged ambassadors to Delhi. President Biden named Eric Garcetti as ambassador in July 2021, but he was not confirmed until March 15, 2023 — nearly 26 months into the president’s term. During Trump’s first term, Kenneth Juster was named in September 2017, after being in the Oval Office for eight months.
Many Indians, who see their country as a rising global power, bristle at any suggestion that Washington views New Delhi on par with its smaller neighbors. This has only heightened scrutiny over Gor’s dual appointment as both ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs—a move some interpret as a downgrade of India’s unique status.
“Aren’t names of incoming ambassadors informally shared in advance with the host country for approval before a public announcement?” journalist and author Sushant Singh posted on X. “At least for major friendly countries. Was Gor’s name shared with the Modi government, and did it approve of the Special Envoy role?”
Aren’t names of incoming ambassadors informally shared in advance with the host country for approval before a public announcement? At least for major friendly countries. Was Gor’s name shared with the Modi govt and did it approve of the Special Envoy role? https://t.co/uahlXETF3K
— Sushant Singh (@SushantSin) August 23, 2025
On Friday, while making the announcement via social media, Trump praised Gor’s work as director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office:
“Sergio’s role as Director of Presidential Personnel has been essential to delivering on the unprecedented Mandate that we received from the American People. For the most populous Region in the World, it is important that I have someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”
But, in India, especially on X, many view it differently.
WION News’ X handle described the pick as a “Controversial appointment alert”:
“Controversial appointment alert: Sergio Gor, the man at the center of the Trump-Musk NASA feud, has now been named as the US envoy to India by President Donald Trump.”
An X user, @KailashGWagh, who has more than 28,000 followers, wrote:
“Dear Sergio Gor, Nobody in India will ever trust American administration, no matter whether there are Republicans or Democrats in White House.
Thanks to Me,Mine,Myself Megalomaniac President Trump who supports and allied with Terrorists manufacturing countries Syria,Pakistan,etc for Cryptocurrency Stable Coin, HydroCarbon and Minerals deals
BTW, Sergio, why Elon Musk called you -‘He’s a snake’ ?”
Dear Sergio Gor, Nobody in India will ever trust American administration, no matter whether there are Republicans or Democrats in White House.
Thanks to Me,Mine,Myself Megalomaniac President Trump who supports and allied with Terrorists manufacturing countries… https://t.co/mKLhtXpz3D pic.twitter.com/b8J3o74nFJ
— KailashGWagh (@KailashGWagh) August 23, 2025
Mihir Jha, with over 18,000 followers on X, also commented:
“Trump appoints a 38yr Sergio Gor Ambassador to India – his claim to fame, he published DT’s Books!
RIP Indo-US Saga At 38yrs, our IFS are still preparing for the UPSC ”
Trump appoints a 38yr Sergio Gor Ambassador to India – his claim to fame, he published DT’s Books!
RIP Indo-US Saga
At 38yrs, our IFS are still preparing for the UPSC pic.twitter.com/SY2mUXht9o— Mihir Jha (@MihirkJha) August 23, 2025
Here are a few more reactions:
Sergio Gor was part of the reason why Elon Musk and Trump fell out.
Now sending him to India by making him the envoy for South and Central Asia, what are Trumps plans?
He seems to be playing pro-Pakistan and wants India’s moves to be known in advance.
India should be cautious. pic.twitter.com/ztk8FNpEI8
— Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht) August 23, 2025
Sergio Gor, a MAGA Hardcore & a Trump loyalist whom Elon Musk called a snake is now appointed as American Ambassador to India.
He will also be in charge for South Asia & Central Asia ! Basically US games in Af-Pak, Bangladesh, Myanmar; dealing with Taliban & Central Asian… pic.twitter.com/iPdLEADWOz
— Navroop Singh (@TheNavroopSingh) August 23, 2025
Asha, you’ve blocked replies b’cos you know you’re wrong.
1. Gor is confrontationist, bad for diplomacy (“Snake” per Elon)
2. He’s Tactical, Indo-US relations are strategic
3. He is Trump’s rep, not US Rep
4. He is being sent to play dirty games.Overall, Disaster. https://t.co/O2Hj1TtHku
— TheCitizen (@TheCitizenSays) August 23, 2025