Washington D.C., September 11, 2025 – United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a significant statement on Thursday, emphasizing the growing importance of India in America’s global diplomatic strategy. Speaking during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the nomination of Sergio Gore as the next U.S. Ambassador to India, Rubio underlined that Washington is undergoing an “extraordinary change” in its relations with New Delhi and that the partnership will be central to shaping the 21st century.
Rubio, who introduced Gore during the session, highlighted the long-standing professional connection between the two. He stressed that the choice of Gore, who previously served as President Donald Trump’s Director of Presidential Personnel, was both deliberate and strategic. “The country he has been nominated to,” Rubio said, “is one of the most vital relationships for America in the world today.”
India at the Center of the Indo-Pacific Strategy
Underscoring India’s pivotal role in global affairs, Rubio reminded the committee that the U.S. had already reorganized its military framework to reflect this strategic focus. “The story of the 21st century will be written in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said. “It is so important that we changed the name of the Combatant Command for the Indo-Pacific, placing India at its very center.”
According to Rubio, Washington recognizes that any meaningful geopolitical strategy in Asia must involve India as a full partner. He pointed to the growing range of challenges that necessitate U.S.-India cooperation—from balancing China’s rise to stabilizing crises beyond Asia.
“Extraordinary Change” in Relations
Rubio’s remarks reflect the bipartisan consensus in Washington about India’s growing weight in world politics. “We are going through an extraordinary change in our relations with India,” he observed. “Some very important issues are coming before us, and we must work closely with New Delhi on them.”
He further linked India’s role not only to regional security but also to broader international crises. “We have to work together on matters that affect what is happening in Ukraine, as well as events unfolding in the Indo-Pacific,” he added, suggesting that India’s influence now extends beyond its neighborhood into the global arena.
Sergio Gore: A Young Ambassador for a Strategic Partnership
If confirmed, Sergio Gore, at 38 years old, will become the youngest U.S. Ambassador ever posted to India. His appointment is seen as a strong signal of the importance Washington attaches to its partnership with New Delhi. President Trump, in August, announced Gore’s nomination not only as Ambassador but also as a special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs.
Rubio strongly endorsed the nomination, describing Gore as ideally suited for the role. “It is important that America be represented by someone who has the trust of the President and enjoys direct access to him,” Rubio said. “That is why Sergio Gore is the right choice for this position.”
Observers say Gore’s close ties to the White House could help accelerate high-level decision-making and allow Washington to respond more quickly to opportunities and challenges in the relationship.
Looking Ahead: U.S.-India Collaboration
Rubio’s comments underscore that U.S.-India relations are moving beyond symbolic gestures to concrete collaboration. From defense cooperation and economic ties to climate change and technology partnerships, both nations are expected to expand their cooperation significantly in the coming years.
Analysts note that challenges remain, including differences over trade policies, Russia-Ukraine diplomacy, and approaches to regional conflicts. However, Rubio’s statement makes clear that Washington views India not just as an ally of convenience, but as a cornerstone of America’s long-term strategic vision.
Conclusion
The nomination of Sergio Gore and the forceful remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlight a critical moment in U.S.-India relations. With India emerging as a global power and America recalibrating its strategy in the Indo-Pacific, both nations face opportunities—and responsibilities—that will shape international politics for decades to come.
As Rubio concluded, the message was unmistakable: “Work will have to be done with India.”
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