3 weeks ago
US envoy Sergio Gor praises Kerala backwaters, watches snake boats
A very important person from the United States came to Kerala, a state in India.
His name is Sergio Gor and he is the US Ambassador to India.
He went on a big, comfortable boat called a houseboat on a huge lake called Vembanad Lake.
He loved the beautiful palm trees and water so much that he said the trip was 'absolutely incredible.'
He also watched teams of rowers practicing in long, narrow boats that look like snakes.
These special boats race every year in a famous event called the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Before the boat trip, he met the leader of Kerala's government to talk about working together on education, technology, and ports.
People who work in Kerala's tourism business were very happy about the visit.
The visitors even said they might come back again with their families.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described a luxury houseboat cruise on Kerala's Vembanad Lake as 'absolutely incredible.'
Gor was accompanied by businessman Michael Boulos, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, aboard a Spice Routes luxury houseboat.
The delegation watched chundan vallams, or snake boats, practise on Vembanad Lake ahead of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Earlier in Kochi, Gor met Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan to discuss cooperation in higher education, technology and port infrastructure.
Local tourism representatives view the visit as a boost for Kerala's global appeal, and the visitors reportedly expressed interest in returning with their families.
- Who
- US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, accompanied by businessman Michael Boulos, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
- What
- Toured Kerala's backwaters on a Spice Routes luxury houseboat, watched snake boat teams practise for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, and held official talks with Kerala officials.
- Where
- Alappuzha, Kerala, India, on Vembanad Lake and around Punnamada; official meetings were held in Kochi.
- When
- Not specified in the article; the visit took place ahead of the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
- Why
- To experience Kerala's backwaters and traditional boat culture and to expand US-Kerala cooperation in higher education, technology and port infrastructure.
Key facts
- Visitor
- Sergio Gor, US Ambassador to India
- Companion
- Michael Boulos, businessman and son-in-law of US President Donald Trump
- Transport
- Spice Routes luxury houseboat on Vembanad Lake
- Highlight
- Watching chundan vallams (snake boats) practise for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- Official meeting
- Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan in Kochi
- Cooperation areas
- Higher education, technology, port infrastructure
- Tourism impact
- Viewed as a boost for Kerala's global appeal; visitors may return with families
Quotes
Sergio Gor
US Ambassador to India
““Our morning started with a meeting with the Chief Minister… exploring a range of promising opportunities together — especially in higher education, technology, and the development of port infrastructure.””
firstpost.com









