Gor credits White House connections for faster results for US firms in India

Washington, June 30 (IANS) US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said that his close relationships with President Donald Trump’s Cabinet members and senior administration officials had enabled him to cut through bureaucracy and deliver quicker results for American businesses operating in India.

Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, Gor said his previous role as Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office had given him direct access to many of the administration’s top officials.

“I think the circumstances that placed me in this position… are very unique,” Gor said.

“When a new president comes into office, there’s 4,000 positions open. And it was that role that the president trusted me with to fill those positions.”

That experience, he said, allows him to resolve issues quickly.

“So today, when an issue does come up, I don’t have to call 20 levels down.”

“Almost every secretary that we have in our cabinet is a friend of mine.”

“I talk to Secretary Rubio sometimes three times a day.”

“It’s extremely efficient to be able to pick up the phone and somebody on the other end answers.”

Gor illustrated the approach with an example involving American and Indian pharmaceutical companies that had struggled for years to resolve regulatory issues.

“We had a group of American pharmaceutical companies and Indian pharmaceutical companies… things that were getting stuck and had been stuck that way for several years.”

“As they’re in my office, I was able to call Secretary Kennedy.”

“Within a week he arranged a video call… including the heads of CDC, FDA… and so we do cut through red tape.”

The ambassador said both President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a strong preference for practical outcomes.

“It’s very similar to the way the president works.”

“I’ve seen the Prime Minister in action, ” adding, “both of them are results oriented.”

“So if it takes somebody picking up a phone and calling directly, that’s something that we’ll do.”

“And that oftentimes achieves a much faster result.”

Gor said the US Embassy in New Delhi had adopted the same philosophy in its dealings with businesses. “I try to be available to any business community individual that does show up.”

“It’s an incredible gratifying thing to be able to create jobs here at home and identifying those win-win situations for us all.”

He encouraged companies facing bureaucratic obstacles to approach the embassy for assistance.

“If we can help you in any way to get something across the finish line, sometimes things get caught in bureaucracy, as you know, on both sides.”

“If we can somehow jump that and bring it to the right person’s attention, please call on us.”

“You will find an open embassy and a very receptive embassy to you.”

Gor also said President Trump remained personally engaged in supporting American businesses overseas.

“There’s no deal that is too small.”

“If it creates a job in the United States… the president will pick up the phone and call on that company’s behalf.”

“And that’s something that’s extremely proactive that we’ve never seen on either side of any political party.”

He said the administration’s focus was on generating tangible economic outcomes through trade, investment and commercial diplomacy rather than simply holding meetings.

The Trump administration has placed renewed emphasis on economic diplomacy, encouraging American embassies to promote exports, attract investment and assist US companies operating overseas. India has emerged as one of Washington’s most important commercial partners, with cooperation expanding across defence, aerospace, technology, energy and advanced manufacturing.

–IANS

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