US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Manipur on Friday, touring prominent historical and cultural landmarks and holding discussions with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
Gor met Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the CM Secretariat in Mantripukhri, Imphal. During the meeting, the US envoy praised Manipur’s natural beauty, describing the state as a “stunning place” with remarkable scenic appeal. He also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on the development of Northeast India, saying such attention was important for a diverse country like India.
The Ambassador enquired about the number of tourists visiting Manipur and discussed the state’s tourism potential. The Chief Minister highlighted tourism and allied sectors as areas with significant scope for development. He described India as a “mini world” and Manipur as a “mini India”, noting that the state is home to 36 communities.
Gor also spoke about the close relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, saying the bond went beyond a conventional relationship between the two leaders and that President Trump personally valued it.
The Chief Minister invited Gor to attend the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival 2026. The US Ambassador was accompanied by US Consul General in Kolkata Kathy Giles-Diaz, while the Chief Minister was accompanied by state officials led by Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur.
During his visit, Gor toured the historic Kangla Fort, one of the most important symbols of Manipur’s history and former royal kingdom. He also visited Khwairamband Ema Keithel, the iconic women-run market in the heart of Imphal.
Gor’s visit comes as Manipur gradually returns towards normalcy following a prolonged period of ethnic unrest that resulted in loss of life, displacement and disruption of normal life. The situation had also led to the imposition of President’s Rule before an elected government was restored.
The Manipur visit followed Gor’s trip to Darjeeling on Thursday at the invitation of Rajya Sabha MP and former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. In Darjeeling, he visited the historic Makaibari Tea Estate and highlighted the region’s tea, history, landscape and cuisine on social media.
