Washington, D.C., USA: The Trump administration has reiterated that Washington considers New Delhi a pivotal ally in shaping the Indo-Pacific strategy. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described India as “among the strongest partnerships America holds globally” and “at the heart” of the Indo-Pacific, while pressing Senators to confirm Sergio Gor as the next U.S. Ambassador to India.
Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio underlined that India’s role is critical to America’s long-term vision. “The 21st century will largely be defined in the Indo-Pacific,” he said. “India sits at the very core of that story, and we are currently in an extraordinary phase of transition in our ties with them.”
Backing Gor’s nomination, Rubio emphasized India’s involvement in both regional and global matters. “Some of the most urgent issues ahead—whether related to Ukraine or developments in Asia—require close cooperation with India,” he noted.
Need for strong representation
Rubio highlighted that India needs a U.S. envoy with direct influence at the White House. “It is vital that our representative in India has the confidence and direct access to the President,” he told the panel. “In places like India, it is crucial that the envoy speaks with the weight of the Oval Office.”
He argued that Gor was the right choice, stressing his close relationship with President Trump. “Few individuals have had a stronger or closer working connection with the President than Mr. Gor, and he has the President’s full trust.”
Administrative background
The Secretary further pointed out Gor’s experience in managing presidential staffing. “Nearly 95% of the current government’s political appointees came through the process he designed and managed,” Rubio said. “He oversaw that with a small team and delivered excellent results.”
India’s increasing importance
Rubio’s testimony reflected Washington’s bipartisan agreement that India’s growing influence is indispensable. “Looking to the future of the global order, India ranks among the United States’ most important relationships,” he remarked.
He also linked India’s importance to the U.S. military’s strategic restructuring. “So vital is India’s role that we even renamed the Pacific Command to the Indo-Pacific Command,” he added.
Message to New Delhi
For India, Rubio’s comments carried two key signals: first, Washington sees New Delhi as a central partner in Indo-Pacific security, and second, the U.S. intends to post an ambassador with immediate access to the President.
At a moment when India’s ties with Russia and its position on China are closely watched, Rubio’s framing placed India firmly within America’s strategic vision.
