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Sergio Gor, US President Donald Trump's pick as the next Ambassador to India, on Thursday explained the latest gameplan of Washington towards India. Speaking
before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Gor said, "Chinese expansionism is not just on the border with India, it's all over the area... We will make it a top priority that India is pulled into our side and away from them."
India A Counter To Beijing?
Gor said that Washington sees New Delhi as central to its strategy to counter Beijing. Describing India as a "strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond," Gor said that its "geographic position, economic growth, and military capabilities make it a cornerstone of regional stability and a critical part of promoting prosperity and advancing the security interests that our nations share."
"India is one of the most important relationships our nation has in the world," he added.
He further said that the two countries were committed to resolving the trade tensions. "While we (India-US) might have our moment of hiccups right now, we are on the track of resolving that. Our relationship with the Indian government and the Indian people extends many more decades, and it's a much warmer relationship than they have with the Chinese."
"In the ongoing trade talks, we want the Indian market to open for our crude oil, petroleum products, and LNG... India's middle class is larger than the entire US," he noted.
Trump, Modi Have Incredible Relationship: Sergio Gor
"Our President has a deep friendship with Prime Minister Modi, which is unique... When the President has been critical of India, he goes out of his way to compliment Modi. They have an incredible relationship," Gor said.
"President Trump has made it crystal clear that India must stop buying Russian oil... India has been on our side on various issues within BRICS. Several countries within BRICS have pushed for years to move away from the US Dollar. India has been the stopgap for that. India is much more willing and open to engage with us than with those other nations in BRICS," he said.
Gor also vowed to align with Trump's ambitious trade target if appointed as envoy.
"If confirmed, I will prioritise deepening defence and security cooperation with India... I will also work towards President Trump's ambitious goal dubbed 'Mission 500' to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030... India's role in ensuring the stability and security of the region cannot be understated... President Trump's leadership and the US-India partnership will define the 21st century," he said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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