Delhi Confidential: Sergio Gor’s ‘dear friend’ remark leaves Piyush Goyal wary of US visa rush

Delhi Confidential brings you the latest from the power corridors of India's capital. Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador to India, recently referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as his "favorite ministers" at an event in the city. When asked about his assertion, Goyal quipped, "I'm worried about calling you a friend.

If you make such comments, I'll have half of these people at my office seeking US visa appointments." Meanwhile, two secretaries from the Union Ministry housed at Krishi Bhawan got into a heated exchange during a review meeting over the performance and efficiency of their departments. The hearing, which focused on a Central government scheme promoting pulses, saw one secretary express concerns over the slow pace of approvals, while his counterpart defended the department's performance.

The ministers, who attended virtually, exchanged heated arguments. Later, 23 BJP-ruled state ministers with the Jal Shakti Ministry met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for tea, sparking a joyful interaction as they stayed back for an additional day. The meeting, coordinated by senior BJP leader Vinay Sahasrabudhe, revived a practice that ended in 2011.

PM Modi reportedly welcomed the reunion of state ministers, with more such gatherings planned at the BJP headquarters.