US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor arrived in Imphal on Friday, even as India prepares to welcome a host of global leaders for the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
His visit to Manipur comes ahead of the September 12-13 BRICS Summit, which is expected to draw several prominent international leaders to the Indian capital, placing New Delhi at the centre of intense diplomatic activity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other leaders are expected to attend the summit.
Sergio Gor’s Imphal Visit Comes Amid Active Diplomacy
Gor’s trip to Imphal takes place during a period of increased diplomatic engagement between India and the United States.
The US ambassador has recently been engaged in discussions covering key areas of the bilateral relationship, including trade, defence and strategic cooperation. He has also described India-US relations as being at a historic high.
Earlier this month, Gor participated in the Quad Sherpas’ meeting in New Delhi, where senior officials discussed several strategic issues. The agenda included maritime security, economic security, critical and emerging technologies, as well as humanitarian assistance.
BRICS Summit Brings Major Powers Together in Delhi
Gor’s arrival in Imphal coincides with one of India’s most significant diplomatic events of the year.
The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Leaders and senior representatives from BRICS member states and international organisations are expected to gather in the capital.
The grouping has expanded considerably and now includes major economies and emerging powers such as India, China, Russia, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
For New Delhi, the summit offers an important platform to engage with a diverse group of major powers and developing economies. Discussions are expected to span areas including trade, technology, international security and reforms to global institutions.
India-US Relations Continue Despite Washington’s Absence From BRICS
The United States is not part of the BRICS grouping, but India’s expanding engagement with the bloc remains strategically important for Washington.
New Delhi continues to maintain relationships with the US while simultaneously engaging with countries such as Russia, China and Iran. This balancing approach remains a key feature of India’s foreign policy.
At the same time, India and the US are continuing to strengthen cooperation in several sectors. According to Gor’s recent remarks, bilateral collaboration is expanding across areas including technology, pharmaceuticals, defence and military exercises.
As global leaders converge on New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, Gor’s visit to Imphal adds another layer to the wider diplomatic activity surrounding India’s growing role in international affairs.