US Envoy Sergio Gor Lands In Strife-Torn Manipur; Meets Governor, CM

United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor arrived in Manipur on Friday, becoming one of the highest-ranking foreign diplomats to visit the northeastern state amid its prolonged ethnic strife.

He was welcomed by chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on his arrival at Imphal. He is scheduled to meet Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the chief minister during his stay in the capital. Mr Gor, who also serves as the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, landed in Imphal earlier in the day. Before the official meetings, he visited the historic Kangla Fort, the ancient political and cultural centre of the erstwhile Manipur kingdom, and the iconic women-run Khwairamband Ema Keithel market.

Officials said that the ambassador will spend the night in Imphal. The visit comes as Manipur continues to grapple with ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023 between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities and has since expanded to include fresh tensions between Naga and Kuki groups in the hill districts.

The conflict has claimed at least 306 lives, left 49 people missing, and displaced tens of thousands, many of whom remain in relief camps.

Mr Gor’s arrival in the state follows a day-long visit to Darjeeling on Thursday, where he was hosted by Rajya Sabha MP and former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

The ambassador’s Manipur tour forms part of a broader series of engagements across India since he assumed charge in New Delhi in January 2026. It also coincides with heightened diplomatic activity in the capital as India prepares to host the BRICS Summit this weekend. The State government sources confirmed the meetings with the Governor and chief minister but offered no further details on the agenda. The visit is being closely watched given Manipur’s sensitive security situation and its strategic location bordering Myanmar.