‘I love PM Modi, India can count on me 100%’: Trump calls Sergio Gor during Delhi event

US President Donald Trump on Saturday made a surprise phone call to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi, using the occasion to warmly praise both India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Trump said, “I love India” and described Prime Minister Modi as a close friend.

Trump also said, "...India can count on me 100%. If they ever need help, they know where to call. They call right here. We're doing well. We're setting records. We have a record economy, a record stock market and anything India wants to get. I am a big fan of Prime Minister Modi...Marco is the greatest. He's going down as the greatest Secretary of State in the history of the US...Say hello to Prime Minister Modi and let him know I'm a big fan..."

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US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said President Trump called me tonight. He had a clear message: “𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐢. 𝐖𝐞’𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚. 𝐈’𝐦 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐠, 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐢…”

Gor also highlighted the deepening strategic alignment between Washington and New Delhi, saying the relationship continues to be driven by the strong personal bond between Trump and Modi.

“We recognise that the most meaningful progress does not always happen on a straight, predictable road. It happens when we have the agility to navigate new routes together and find direct openings that lead to real achievements,” Gor said.

“This open-path diplomacy is driven by the personal bond between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Every time the President and I speak, one of the first questions he asks is, ‘How is my friend the Prime Minister doing?’” he added.

Gor said the relationship between the two leaders stretches back nearly a decade and has fundamentally transformed the scope of India-US cooperation.

“Together, they have redefined what is possible through a shared sense of purpose and a relentless focus on the future,” he said.

The envoy further described the United States as a “shining beacon for the world” and said both Trump and Modi had championed a new vision for bilateral ties.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended the Independence Day reception at the US Embassy, also strongly backed the growing partnership between the two democracies.

“India is one of those countries that I know that we have this very valuable strategic partnership with, and we share so many values and common interests,” Rubio said during his address.

Rubio added that the United States viewed India as central to its broader Indo-Pacific strategy and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

During the event, Rubio also made a light-hearted remark about not performing at the celebration, citing contractual obligations.

“I unfortunately will not be able to perform tonight because my contract with Sony does not allow me to perform in unsanctioned events. But if you come to our 251st birthday, you never know,” Rubio said jokingly.

“But for our 250, I just can't do it contractually. It's an honour to be with all of you. Thank you to India for welcoming us. May God always bless America,” he added.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who also attended the reception at the US Embassy, highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

“The Indian diaspora in the United States has contributed enormously to American society across technology, academia, medicine, entrepreneurship, and public service. It has helped build political understanding between our two nations and remains a living bridge,” Jaishankar said.

He also stressed the importance of counterterrorism cooperation between New Delhi and Washington amid growing global security challenges.

“India and the United States have a strong interest in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We must always be clear about zero tolerance for terrorism. And that is why our counterterrorism cooperation is so important,” the external affairs minister said.

Earlier today, Rubio had described the India-US partnership as the “cornerstone” of Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy and hinted at more major bilateral announcements in the coming months.

Rubio had also met Prime Minister Modi, EAM S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi, where discussions focused on regional security, defence cooperation, strategic technologies and strengthening the Quad framework.