US envoy calls Piyush Goyal 'dear friend'; minister jokes about visa seekers

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor publicly called Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal a "dear friend," offering him as a contact for those unable to reach the embassy. Goyal responded with a joke about being overwhelmed by visa requests. During the exchange, Gor said people should reach out to Goyal if they cannot get a hold of him. In response, Goyal humorously expressed worry that calling him a friend would bring many people to his office seeking US visa appointments. Goyal credited Gor for playing a "very important role" in the India-US interim trade agreement framework. The lighthearted remarks highlight the close diplomatic ties between the two nations amid ongoing trade negotiations.