By Sumaila Zaman

Copyright india

Over the past few days Trump and his aides have been critical of India. After Trumps high-tariff sanctions Peter Navarro’s “Maharajah of Tariffs” comment about India now Sergio Gor a close advisor to President Donald Trump has made disparaging remarks targeting the nation. Sergio Gor President Donald Trumps close aide and nominee for the post of US Ambassador to India made clear that President Trumps highest priority is to prevent India from buying Russian oil. He also expressed belief that negotiations on a tariff deal between India and the US are not that far apart on reaching a deal regarding tariffs.
What did Sergio Gor say about India’s Russian oil purchases?
Gor noted To your point getting India to stop buying Russian oil is a top priority for this administration. He pointed out that even when President Trump has been critical of other countries he has consistently praised PM Modi. In fact if you have noticed when he has gone after other nations he tends to go after their leaders for putting us in that position and for the United States imposing those tariffs. While the President has been critical of India he has gone out of his way to compliment PM Modi. They have an incredible relationship Gor commented.
What is the status of the India-U.S. tariff deal mentioned by Gor?
He further revealed that the two countries are not that far apart on a deal already on these tariffs. Further calling India a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond Gor stressed that closer collaboration between the two countries would be central to countering Chinas growing influence. Gor added Frankly India is concerned by Chinese expansionism and Chinese expansionism is not just on the border of India its all over the area.
Indias “geographic position economic growth and military capabilities make it a cornerstone for regional stability and a critical part of promoting prosperity and advancing the security interests that our nations share” he said.
Who is Sergio Gor Trump’s envoy pick to India?
Last month President Donald Trump promoted Gor Director of Presidential Personnel as the next US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. When confirmed 38-year-old Gor will be the youngest American ambassador to India. Gor stated If confirmed as ambassador I will work to deliver on the presidential agenda and advance US interests by increasing our defence cooperation ensuring fair and beneficial trade deepening energy security and furthering technology.”
How does Trump view his friendship with PM Modi?
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Gor stated Our president has a deep friendship with Prime Minister Modi and that is something that is unique. He pointed out that even when President Trump has been critical of other countries he has consistently praised PM Modi. In fact if you have noticed when he has gone after other nations he tends to go after their leaders for putting us in that position and for the United States imposing those tariffs. While the President has been critical of India he has gone out of his way to compliment PM Modi. They have an incredible relationship Gor stated.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Gor has made a big statement on Indias recent imports of Russian Oil.
He also expressed belief that negotiations on a tariff deal between India and the US are not that far apart.
Getting India to stop buying Russian oil is a top priority for this administration he stated.
Trump has increased tariffs on Indian imports to a staggering 50 percent.
Gor also said that the issue between India and the US regarding the 50 per cent tariffs on Indian products should be resolved in a few weeks even as Donald Trump is pressuring European Union leaders to ratchet up tariffs on India and China to punish the countries for Russian energy buys.Gor also addressed one of the administrations top priorities: persuading India to reduce its reliance on Russian oil. Trump has increased tariffs on Indian imports to a staggering 50 percent including a 25 percent additional duties for India’s purchases of Russian crude oil.