NEW DELHI, Oct. 12 -- US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, focusing on defence cooperation, trade and critical minerals, and emphasised that President Donald Trump considers Modi a "great and personal friend". The meeting came as the two countries seek to repair ties that hit their lowest point in nearly two decades over the summer - the rapport between the two leaders has become central to restoring relations strained by months of bitter tensions over tariffs. "President Trump considers Modi a great and personal friend. In fact, just before I left for New Delhi, they had an incredible phone call. That is something that will continue over the weeks and months ahead," said Gor, according to a statement by the American embassy in India. Gor, who arrived in New Delhi on Saturday morning for a six-day visit, met successively with foreign secretary Vikram Misri, external affairs minister S Jaishankar and national security advisor Ajit Doval before his meeting with Modi. He was accompanied by deputy secretary for management and resources Michael J Rigas. "We had a great series of meetings including with foreign secretary Misri, with external affairs minister Jaishankar and national security advisor Doval," Gor said. Describing his meeting with Modi as "incredible", Gor added: "We also discussed the importance of critical minerals and the importance of that to both our nations." The discussion on critical minerals assumes significance against the backdrop of China imposing export restrictions on them. Trump, reacting to the curbs by Beijing, threatened a new 100% tariff rate on imports from China to the US from November 1 and indicated that he could call off a planned meeting with the Chinese president Xi Jinping next month. Gor, a member of Trump's inner circle, said the US "values" its relationship with India and expressed optimism about the partnership under Trump and Modi's leadership. "Under the strong leadership of President Donald J Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I am optimistic about the days ahead for both of our nations," he added. Modi said on social media he was "glad" to receive Gor and expressed confidence that "his tenure will further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership". He shared a photograph of Gor gifting him a picture of Trump and Modi together, with the US president having signed it: "Mr Prime Minister, you are great!". Jaishankar said he was pleased to meet the ambassador-designate and discussed "the India-US relationship and its global significance" with him. "Wish him the best for his new responsibility," he said....