Trump considers Modi a 'great friend', says Gor

In series of meetings in Delhi, incoming US ambassador holds talks over bilateral ties, critical minerals

- HT Correspondent

US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting in Delhi on Saturday.

(ANI)

US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, focusing on defence cooperation, trade and critical minerals, and emphasised that President Donald Trump considers Modi a "great and personal friend".

The meeting came as the two countries seek to repair ties that hit their lowest point in nearly two decades over the summer the rapport between the two leaders has become central to restoring relations strained by months of bitter tensions over tariffs.

"President Trump considers Modi a great and personal friend. In fact, just before I left for New Delhi, they had an incredible phone call. That is something that will continue over the weeks and months ahead," said Gor, according to a statement by the American embassy in India.

Gor, who arrived in New Delhi on Saturday morning for a six-day visit, met successively with foreign secretary Vikram Misri, external affairs minister S Jaishankar and national security advisor Ajit Doval before his meeting with Modi. He was accompanied by deputy secretary for management and resources Michael J Rigas.

"We had a great series of meetings including with foreign secretary Misri, with external affairs minister Jaishankar and national security advisor Doval," Gor said.