Sergio Gor ‘takes charge’ as U.S. Ambassador to India, says India to be invited to Pax Silica initiative

US Ambassador Sergio Gor took office in Delhi on Monday, January 12, 2026. In a public speech before his inauguration, Mr Gor thanked US President Donald Trump and said his mission in India was to strengthen ties between the oldest and largest democracies.

He also said Mr Trump had conveyed his best wishes to his “friend” Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said India and the US are actively discussing a trade deal and the first meeting between negotiators will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Mr Gor also said India would be invited to join Pax Silica as a full member, a new US-led strategic initiative aimed at securing global silicon and high-tech supply chains.

The Ambassador’s statement to hundreds of US Embassy employees in Delhi and the Indian media was unorthodox as Mr. Gor had not yet presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu. According to diplomatic protocol, Ambassadors are expected to appear in public only after their credentials are presented. According to sources, President Murmu will accept the credentials within this week.