US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has underlined the close personal relationship between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying Trump regards Modi as a friend with whom conversations need not always be arranged through formal diplomatic channels.
Speaking at the IX USISPF Leadership Summit 2026, Gor said Trump’s rapport with Modi reflects a level of familiarity that extends beyond conventional diplomatic protocol.
Sharing an incident from the UFC 327 event held in Miami, Florida, in April this year, Gor recalled that Trump unexpectedly suggested placing a call to Prime Minister Modi while they were backstage.
Gor said,“He said to me: Let’s call the Prime Minister. I said: It’s 6am in the morning there. He replied: He (Modi) will be up, he’s like me, he doesn’t sleep.” However, with the President due on stage shortly afterward, the conversation was rescheduled for the following day.
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Friendship Goes Beyond Diplomatic Scheduling
Recounting the episode during his address at the summit, Gor said the anecdote reflected the personal trust between the two leaders. He explained that genuine friendships do not always require weeks of advance planning for a conversation, adding that Trump sees Prime Minister Modi as someone he can simply call to check in.
Gor noted that this approach reflects how the US President views his relationship with India through his longstanding association with the Indian Prime Minister. The US envoy said Trump’s interactions with Modi stand apart from his engagements with many other world leaders.
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According to Gor, while official discussions with most heads of government are generally scheduled well in advance, Trump places Modi in a different category because their association dates back to his first presidential term.
Both leaders likely to meet each other
On the sidelines of the summit, Gor told ANI that the United States would welcome Prime Minister Modi’s return visit to the country.
He said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had extended an invitation on behalf of President Donald Trump and expressed hope that Modi would visit again. Gor also noted that the Prime Minister is expected to travel to the United States in December for the G20.
Responding to questions about a possible visit by President Trump to India, Gor indicated that discussions on a presidential visit would more likely take place next year, adding that Washington would like to see the visit happen at the earliest suitable opportunity
