Washington DC: Sergio Gor, the nominee for Ambassador to India by US President Donald Trump, informed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday that the President is entirely dedicated to engaging with the QUAD and emphasized the significance of this grouping.
He expressed these views during his confirmation hearing. Gor stated, "The President is fully committed to ongoing meetings with the Quad and enhancing its strength."
When questioned about the measures he would implement to bolster India-US collaboration within the QUAD, Gor responded, "The QUAD holds immense importance. Following Secretary Rubio's swearing-in and applause at the State Department, his first meeting took place just an hour later with the Foreign Ministers of the QUAD. The President is devoted to maintaining active engagement with the Quad. Discussions regarding a trip for the upcoming Quad meeting have already commenced."
The QUAD represents a diplomatic alliance among India, the US, Japan, and Australia aimed at fostering a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
These encouraging statements come on the heels of recent challenges related to tariffs and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's meeting in Tianjin, which brought together the leaders of India, Russia, and China. In response, Trump remarked, "It seems we have lost India and Russia to the deepest, darkest China. May they enjoy a long and prosperous future together!" This comment was made in a post on Truth Social.
Commenting on the collaborative military exercise between India and the US, Gor addressed the senate, stating, "Regarding your previous mention of joint troop exercises, these continue to take place and we wholeheartedly support their expansion. Just last week, we had 500 Indian troops training alongside our forces in Alaska, which is a significant achievement. Therefore, despite the minor setback we've experienced concerning tariffs, our relationship is considerably stronger, built on many decades of cooperation, and I will do everything within my power, should I be confirmed, to further enhance that."
In response to a question about India's acquisition of Russian oil, Gor remarked, "President Trump has made it abundantly clear that India must cease purchasing Russian oil... The president has only implemented a 25% tariff, and he is also strongly encouraging European allies and others globally to halt such purchases. Our tariffs are effective only if our global partners are aligned. If we impose tariffs unilaterally, but others can still obtain the same oil and resell it through China, India, or Brazil, that presents a challenge. Therefore, we are fully committed to addressing this issue."
Describing India as a "crucial counterbalance" to China in the Indo-Pacific region, Gor emphasized the significance of the relationship and referred to India as a "stopgap" on various matters within the BRICS framework, especially regarding de-dollarisation.
He stated, "India serves as a crucial counterbalance to communist China in the Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, our relationship holds significant importance. I am worried that India is part of the BRICS organization, which includes some of our major adversaries. How do you plan to address this? Senator, I share your concerns. However, it is worth noting that India has consistently supported us on various matters within BRICS. Several members, including Brazil and China, have long advocated for a shift away from the US dollar, and India has acted as a buffer in that regard. India is far more inclined and open to collaborating with us compared to some other members of BRICS."
Recently, BRICS leaders wrapped up a virtual summit, during which Brazil's President Lula emphasized that discussions focused on the necessity of progressing towards a more "just, balanced, and inclusive international order, one that can respond more effectively to the needs of the Global South."
He mentioned in his post that the BRICS members reaffirmed their dedication to preserving and enhancing multilateralism and reforming international institutions.
