U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino to head the White House Presidential Personnel Office, Trump posted on Truth Social early on Sunday.

Scavino replaces Sergio Gor, the new US ambassador to India . Dan will be responsible for the selection and appointment of almost all positions in government, Trump said.

The US President congratulated Dan on the "very big and important position".

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Gor used his first meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to talk trade, defence and critical minerals, as the nations seek to amend soured ties.

Relations between the world's two largest democracies have plummeted in recent months over tariffs , ongoing negotiations for a trade deal and policy changes like an annual $100,000 fee for H-1B skilled worker visas.

Ahead of his confirmation by the Senate last week, Trump acolyte Gor had voiced hope for keeping New Delhi in US good graces.

"We just finished an incredible meeting with Prime Minister Modi where we discussed bilateral issues including defence, trade, and technology," Gor said in a statement released by the US Embassy in New Delhi late Saturday.

"We also discussed the importance of critical minerals to both of our nations."

Gor said the United States values its relationship with India.

"I am optimistic about the days ahead for both of our nations."

Modi said he was "glad" to meet Gor and wished him a "successful tenure" in India. "I am confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership," Modi posted on X.

Gor also met India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, top diplomat Vikram Misri and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The meetings came as Trump and Modi have taken a more conciliatory tone in recent weeks, while highlighting their ongoing trade talks.

Modi earlier this week called Trump to congratulate him on "the success of the historic Gaza peace plan" and described the United States as a "close friend and natural partner". But away from the public rhetoric, strained US-India ties have given New Delhi fresh incentive to warm up to Beijing.

Despite being one of the first few countries to start trade negotiations with Washington, India has so far failed to secure a deal that would ease its 50 percent tariff burden.

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