Who is Ricky Gill? Trumps Indian-origin advisor awarded for role in India-Pakistan ceasefire

PTC News Desk: Ranjit “Ricky” Singh Gill, an Indian-origin adviser in the United States, has drawn attention after being honoured with the National Security Council’s Distinguished Action Award for his involvement in what was described as “India–Pakistan ceasefire negotiations” following Operation Sindoor earlier this year. 

Gill currently serves as the NSC’s senior director for South and Central Asia and is also a special assistant to President Donald Trump. The award was presented to him earlier this week by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 

Considered one of the NSC’s most prestigious internal honours, it recognises outstanding contributions to advancing US national security interests. However, the announcement has triggered debate in India, where the government has repeatedly dismissed assertions of US mediation in the conflict.

Who is Ricky Gill?

Ricky Gill was one of three Indian-Americans appointed by Trump to key advisory positions during his second term in office. Known to share a close rapport with Trump, Gill had earlier served as director for Russia and European Energy Security at the NSC during the Republican administration’s first term.

Regarded as a specialist in international affairs, Gill has also worked as a senior adviser in the US State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations. During Trump’s first term in 2018, he played a role in managing the highly sensitive relocation of the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem—a move welcomed by Israel but widely criticised and protested by Palestinians, and one that sparked global controversy.

Gill began his public service career at a remarkably young age. At just 17, he gained national attention after being appointed by then–California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the state Board of Education as its only student member.