WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): India has nominated retired diplomat Vinay Kwatra as its next ambassador to the United States. The Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on the appointment, but an announcement is anticipated soon after the necessary formalities in the US are completed. The appointment comes just months before the US elections.
The position of India’s ambassador to the US has been vacant since Taranjit Singh Sandhu completed his tenure in January.
Vinay Mohan Kwatra, born on December 15, 1962, is a retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) diplomat with a career spanning nearly 32 years. He recently retired as India’s 34th Foreign Secretary, serving from May 2022 until July 14, 2024, succeeding Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
Kwatra’s immediate priority will be to engage with officials who could influence India-related policy in the next US administration, especially as both countries brace for possible changes following the November US elections.
Throughout his career, Kwatra has held various key positions, including serving in China, the US, the Prime Minister’s Office as Joint Secretary, and as Minister (Commerce) at the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. from May 2010 to July 2013. His expertise in policy planning and research and his experience in the Americas Division of the Ministry of External Affairs position him well to navigate the complexities of India-US relations.
Kwatra holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (Hons.) and an M.Sc., and is multilingual, speaking French, Hindi, and English. He also has a diploma in International Relations from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.
He is married to Pooja Kwatra, and they have two sons.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Applauding Taranjit Singh Sandhu for his leadership in strengthening the India-US relationship, senior Biden administration officials have said that the outgoing Indian ambassador has made the groundwork for a “thousand flowers to bloom” in the garden of bilateral ties.
A farewell reception hosted, on Monday, January 22, at the India House in honor of Sandhu, who will retire from the foreign service after more than three decades of a glorious career, later this month. The reception was attended by officials from the Biden administration and the think-tank community.
“Ambassador, you have served India well and have made the groundwork for thousands and more than a thousand flowers to bloom,” said Rahul Gupta, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the White House.
“Thank you for your leadership and accomplishment, and for setting the groundwork,” he said.
“I don’t think there is another ambassador in this city (like Sandhu) who has been as active and creative, as much up in our direct messages, signal and WhatsApp with new ideas to strengthen this relationship,” said the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland.
“If you look at where we were, which was already a strong place before you started and where we are now, I think a huge amount of credit goes to Ambassador Sandhu,” she said.
“I think everybody in this room will agree. Not only that, but he’s just a delight to work with because he is always up. He is always looking to make the situation better. We’re going to miss you,” Nuland said.
Frank Kendall, US Secretary of the Air force, said Sandhu has played a key role in this relationship.
“Our friendship has grown over the years, as our relationship with our two countries has grown. We met when you were the deputy chief of mission here about 10 years ago. I was working with Ash Carter at the Pentagon at the time. I took over the leadership from him with the defense technology and trade initiative. We worked together to build that,” he said. “You talked about the garden. I think the garden has matured. It’s been well-attended. I think in addition to the pretty flowers, there are some fruits and vegetables that I think are very nourishing in that garden and are going to do as well going into the future,” Kendall said.
In his remarks, Sandhu said that the India-US relationship has now matured. “That’s the most satisfying part. It’s like a garden, a well-attended garden. There are always some challenges in the way, but at the end of the day, the flowers are blooming and increasing,” he said.
“Some of you who were here in 2016 will remember that when my prime minister addressed the US Congress, he used the words, we have overcome the hesitations of history… This relationship has grown, matured, and blossomed. So, it was apt when my prime minister came last year,” he said.
“And he said, I’m quoting him. ‘The scope of our cooperation is endless. The potential of our synergies is limitless, and the chemistry of our relations is effortless.’ I think if I look around the room, I can see so many people who have made it happen,” Sandhu said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The Indian-American community has been an anchor of the Indo-US relationship, India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said, emphasizing that the diaspora has a great role to play in the development of India.
Sandhu was speaking at his farewell reception on Thursday, January 25, in a Maryland Suburb of Washington DC that was hosted by Indian-American organizations, including Sikhs of America, Overseas Friends of BJP USA, US India SME Council. “Indian community here has been an anchor of the fantastic relationship that has emerged,” Sandhu said. During the farewell reception, several members of the Indian-American community, particularly those from the Sikh Diaspora, urged him to do something for his hometown Amritsar and his home State of Punjab after his retirement.
In response, Sandhu speaking in Punjabi said that the Diaspora can do more for Amritsar.
He said that every time members of the diaspora go to Amritsar, they should spend an additional two days in the city and play a role in the development of the city and the state.
“The tourism of Amritsar is like that of Agra, no less,” Sandhu said.
Addressing the gathering, Jasdip Singh Jesse from Sikhs of America, said that Sandhu has made the community proud and has played a very important role in strengthening the India-US relationship.
Under his leadership, the embassy resolved several issues impacting the community.
Adapa Prasad, president of Overseas Friends of BJP USA, said that Sandhu has been the top Indian diplomat during whose tenure the bilateral relationship reached a new height.
He hoped that the country would continue to benefit from his services in one capacity or the other post-retirement. Elisha Pulivarti, president of the US-India SME Council, presented Sandhu with the “Modern Day Chanakya and Master Strategist” award on the occasion.
Sandhu, 61, retires from the foreign service after 35 years of diplomatic career this month.
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): “The relationship between the world’s two largest democracies has deepened in intensity, matured in character and expanded in scope”, India’s outgoing ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said.
Sandu, 61, who retires later this month from the foreign service after more than 35 years. on Wednesday, January 24, made these remarks at a farewell ceremony held in his honor with the community leaders at the India House here.
“India, United States relationship has deepened in intensity, matured in character, and expanded in scope, as I say so many times that it touches almost all spheres of human activity: tech, trade, defense, space, healthcare, education, skilling, people to people, space ties,” Sandhu said in his address on Wednesday at a farewell ceremony held in his honor with the community leaders at the India House here.
During his service, Sandhu has served in the US three times, the last being India’s Ambassador to the US for four years.
“So much is happening in these areas. And this transformation, as most of you have seen, has happened in the last 10 years. In fact, some friends are here,… when we conducted the nuclear test in 1998, the sanctions were put on India. That was my first exposure and experience with challenging times,” he said.
“I recall the late Ambassador Naresh Chandra, and I walked with him. I told him that there’s one setup, which I’m the liaison for, that is the US Congress. When there was difficulty in getting meetings outside, the US Congress will open its doors, and that’s why I say that the US Congress is the pioneer in creating the foundation of this relationship,” Sandhu said.
During his term as India’s Ambassador to the US, he met more than 300 Congressmen and about 75 Senators.
“I must say in each of those interactions, we found positivity. And that’s where my own positivity came out, that whatever crisis the United States, India partnership is there to remain and progress ahead,” Sandhu said.
“I will say that we have still reached the tip of the iceberg. There is so much to be covered,” he said.
Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus applauded Sandhu for his service and building the bilateral ties.
“I will make one prediction that while Ambassador Sandhu may be leaving this post, I believe and I hope with all my heart, that he has more public service in his future,” Warner said.
John Podesta, senior advisor to the president for clean energy innovation and implementation praised the ambassador for his role in strengthening the India-U.S. relationship.
“We’ve developed a great friendship and a great partnership and our government has done tremendous work together,” he said.
Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia said that the Ambassador helped in resolving several of the agricultural disputes and tariff issues between the two countries. Senator Amy Klobuchar said that this is a relationship between the countries that has always been strong but is on the move in the right direction.
“We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next. But thank you for your incredible service,” she said.
Nisha Desai Biswal, Deputy CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation speaking at the farewell ceremony said that Ambassador Sandhu has been working on this relationship for over three decades.
“In his many different tours of duty, he has been working to ensure that this relationship is not just government to government, that it is not just about ties between our parliaments, but that it reflects the really deep and rich relationship between our people,” she said.
“He recognized very early on the importance of the diaspora community in elevating this relationship. In my very first work in Congress as a staffer, I will say Ambassador Sandhu in his role as the political officer of the embassy, was constantly exhorting all of us to say that there must be more ambition in the US-India relationship.
You must think about ways to deepen that collaboration. And I just have to say that his instinct for this relationship as being foundational for not just our two governments, but our two societies, has been a really important aspect of how this partnership has developed over the decades,” she said.
Bawa Jaswinder Singh, the US head of the Buddha Dal Sikh Organisation presented an award to Ambassador Sandhu in recognition of his contribution and the legacy of his family. (TIP photo)
During the event, Sandhu was presented with an award on behalf of the Buddha Dal Sikh Organisation in recognition of his contribution towards Sikh and the legacy of his family.
Sikh community leader Sukhpal Singh Dhanoa told the audience that it was decided at the time of 200 years of Baba Phoola Singh’s birth anniversary to present this award to the ambassador.
Bawa Jaswinder Singh, the US head of the organization, presented the award on behalf of Baba Balbir Singh, its India head.
A successor to Sandhu has not been announced, yet.
(Source: PTI)
Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu also joined the farewell event
GARDEN CITY, NY (TIP): American Indian community of New York, bids farewell to outgoing New York Consul General Randhir Jaiswal. The event was hosted by community leaders Harish Thakkar & Ajay Patel. Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu also joined the farewell event. Ajay Patel extended a warm welcome to Consul General Randhir Jaiswal who was accompanied by his deputy Dr. Varun Jeph.
AIA NY Past President & Community leader Harish Thakkar voiced appreciation for the efforts and initiatives undertaken by Mr. Jaiswal in his tenure, particularly during the challenging months of the pandemic. Harish Thakkar said the Consulate under Mr. Jaiswal’s leadership has been proactive, particularly during the difficult days of Covid, and issued emergency visas, alleviating the distress of those in need.
Consul General Randhir Jaiswal shares his thoughts.
Randhir Jaiswal, India’s outgoing Consul General in New York, bids farewell with a sense of accomplishment. Jaiswal’s tenure has been marked by dedicated efforts to boost bilateral ties, garnering praise from the India-American community, who organized a reception to express their appreciation.
Mr. Jaiswal said that as Consul General, he has endeavored to “tell the world what India means to the world today. It is a country which is progressing, which is reaching out to the moon, a country that is developing technologies that are going to define the pathway to the 21st century. It is a country which believes in peace, non-violence, in the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi”.
The farewell reception to Mr. Jaiswal organized by community leaders Harish Thakkar and Ajay Patel, was supported by several diaspora organizations which included AAPI -QLI, Long Island Diversity Council, Gujarati Samaj, Rajasthan Medical Alumni Association, World Vegan Vision, Anand Sangeet, Kali Mandir of NY and their members. India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, also attended the farewell reception. “Delighted to attend farewell reception for Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, organized by the Indian community and American Friends of India in Long Island” Sandhu tweeted. In his address at the reception, Mr. Sandhu lauded Mr. Jaiswal for taking the consulate to “new heights” and recalled the work done during challenging times, especially during the pandemic.
Mr. Sandhu recalled efforts by Mr. Jaiswal and the Consulate during the peak months of the pandemic in helping those in dire need, saying that he “measured up” to the difficult task and ‘he and his team performed a fantastic job” in transporting community members and Indians back to their motherland amid challenges.
“There are revolutionary changes taking place in India,” he said, adding that many Americans are becoming conscious of it now.
The India-US relationship is ‘now on the roll and the future economic recovery of the world will come through this partnership”, Sandhu said. Heeta Thakkar & Davika Patel Emceed the event.
Organizers with guests , from L to R: Harish Thakkar, Ajay Patel, Prem Bhandari, Davika Patel (MC), Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Heeta Thakkar (MC), CG Randhir Jaiswal, DCG Dr. Varun Jeph
NEW YORK (TIP): Sikh organizations across the world have condemned the recent incident of heckling of Indian Ambassador to the USA Taranjit Singh Sandhu at a gurdwara in New York by a small group of Khalistan sympathizers. In a statement issued on Monday, November 27 from Washington, D.C., Sikhs of America said gurdwaras are places of worship and should be free from personal political views.
“We urge the management of the gurdwara to take strict action against these miscreants so that peace-loving Sikh community in New York can come to gurdwaras freely without any fear or pressure,” Sikhs of America’s founder and chairman Jasdip Singh Jassee and its president Kanwaljit Singh Soni said in the joint statement.
“Ambassador Sandhu went to the gurdwara to pray and the management honored him with a siropa. After that, a handful of miscreants tried to disrespect him and violated the peace and sanctity of the gurdwara. Gurdwaras are places of worship and should be free from personal political views,” the statement said.
“Sikhs of America, the leading Sikh organization in the US, strongly condemns the disrespect of a Sikh devotee, Ambassador of India to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu in a gurdwara in Long Island, New York, yesterday,” it said.
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka said this instance had dented the image of the entire Sikh community and should be condemned.
“Sandhu, besides being an envoy of the Indian Government, has also been the representative of the Sikh community on foreign soil. Only a handful of Sikh community members have been vitiating the atmosphere by indulging in such incidents without realizing its repercussions and problems for the common Indians living abroad,” he said.
The SGPC general secretary, Rajinder Singh Mehta, said at least the gurdwaras should be free of such political views as they were the places of worship. “There could be differences of opinion among the Sikh community, yet a gurdwara was not an appropriate place to rake up such an issue and insult the Indian diplomat. The Indian government too should clarify its stance on the issue of killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” he said.
Delhi Akali chief Paramjit Singh Sarna too slammed the incident. “Some of these persons with vested interests intend to bring disrepute to the entire Sikh community. No Sikh who is aware of Sandhu’s legacy could do what they did,” he said. ‘
Sarna underscored Ambassador Sandhu’s lineage as a grandson of none other than Sikh stalwart Teja Singh Samundri, who had played a vital role in the Gurdwara Reform Movement during the British era. The SGPC’s headquarters in fact is housed in a building named after Teja Singh Samundri.
“For the Sikhs, Sandhu is and will always command high respect not only because of his legacy, but also because of his high geopolitical competence. We condemn the hecklers,” he said.
(With inputs from TNS and PTI)
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Ambassador of India to the United States, Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu, inaugurated the India Pavilion at the Texworld Apparel and Home Textile Sourcing Show in New York today. There are over two dozen Indian companies from the apparel, fabric and home textile sectors participating in the Texworld fair being held over three days from 18-20 July 2023. India’s participation in the Texworld fair is being anchored by the Handloom Export Promotion Council and the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL).
After the inauguration, Amb. Sandhu interacted with Indian companies and visited their stalls. He encouraged them to push hard to enhance India’s textile exports to the US and, in this regard, noted that the Commercial Wing at the Embassy and Consulates stand ready to offer all possible support. He further added that the world-class textile products from India already have a large presence in the US, but there was potential to do more, especially in areas of sustainable textiles and organic products. India’s textile exports to the US in 2022-23 stood at US$ 10.4 billion, roughly accounting for 9-10% of the US textile imports.
Majority of the Indian textile companies participating in the fair are from two main clusters in India – Panipat in Haryana and Karur in Tamil Nadu. There are several new-age products made of Bhagalpuri silk, bamboo, jute and 3D prints on display at the fair.
RICHMOND, VA (TIP): Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has appointed Indian-American gastroenterologist Dr Bimaljit Singh Sandhu to a key administration position in the health sector.
Dr Sandhu on Tuesday, July 18, was sworn in as a Board member of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority, a position in which the Indian-American will play a key role in the state’s health education system. The role of the board of directors is to oversee the entire operations of the health system, the med school, nursing school and pharmacy school.
“It’s a lot of responsibility. We provide direction as far as the fundraising, giving strategic direction to the different medical schools and hospitals so that we are at the cutting edge and provide the best care to the Virginians,” Dr Sandhu said after the swearing-in ceremony in Richmond.
Hailing from Faridkot in Punjab, Dr Sandhu migrated to the US in 2004 as a faculty member of Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Centre as a gastroenterologist.
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Describing technology as the force multiplier for the Indo-US partnership, India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said tech is the “master key” to unlocking the real potential of the relationship.
Sandhu’s comments come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US next week. Modi has been invited by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for an official State Visit, which will include a State Dinner on June 22.
“If you ask me, what I would bet on the most, what is that one force multiplier for this relationship, and for global wellbeing indeed, it is tech. It is that master key to unlock the real potential in the relationship,” Sandhu said on Monday.
“There is a lot of synergy and complementarity between us in the tech space. Tech, to me, is powered by trust. It is as much strategic as (it is) commercial,” he added. Sandhu was addressing the annual India Ideas Summit of the US-India Business Council.
“It was just four-and-a-half months ago that we had launched the iCET Industry Roundtable at this very location in the presence of both the NSAs (National Security Advisor) and (Commerce) Secretary (Gina) Raimondo.
“And we have (US) NSA (Jake) Sullivan in Delhi today, including for the follow-up to the first round of iCET discussions,” he said.
Biden and Modi announced the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) in May 2022 to elevate and expand strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation between the governments, businesses, and academic institutions of the two countries. The two sides are finalizing the joint statement, which is being described as a robust outcome document and as something that would shape the nature and contour of the Indo-US relationship for decades, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.
Sandhu further said, “Under each iCET vertical, our teams have been in regular touch. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in Delhi last week when India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra was in (Washington) DC.
“We launched the inaugural India-US Strategic Trade Dialogue, another game-changer dialogue, to discuss export controls. Delhi-DC depth has never been better.” Referring to Modi’s visit, the Indian envoy said there is great excitement on both sides.
“My prime minister is only the third Indian leader in our independent history to be accorded the honor of a State Visit by the US President. He also becomes the only Indian leader to address the US Congress twice,” he said.
According to the White House Historical Association, this will be the 11th State Dinner that a US President is hosting for an Indian leader. However, in the last 75 years, only two other Indian leaders have been given the honor of an official State Visit.
The previous two State Visits included the one for President S Radhakrishnan in June 1963 and then for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2009. When Modi addresses a joint meeting of the US Congress on June 23, it will make him only the third world leader, outside of Israel, to make such an address twice.
The other two are Winston Churchill in 1941, 1943 and 1952 and Nelson Mandela in 1990 and 1994. Modi earlier addressed the US Congress in 2016. Sandhu said, “While I will not spill the beans, I can tell you with confidence that the ceremonial and substantive parts of the visit will fully complement each other and will be unparalleled.
“This is not just because the governments have been working hard, this is because all of you have been working hard.”
Asserting that the speed and the scale in the transformation of the relationship between the two countries have been phenomenal, Sandhu said India today has a mobile subscriber base of over 1.2 billion and 825 million Internet users.
This means, in the last seven years, India has added one mobile subscriber and three Internet users every second. The cost of data has been cut by 98 per cent — one of the lowest globally. It is about inclusion, innovation and empowerment, the Indian envoy said.
“While we are keen to attract US companies to invest in India and step-up R&D (research and development), given our own strengths and talents, we are delighted that Indian companies are investing and creating new jobs in the US.
“Our companies are actively involved in skilling initiatives here and are contributing to local neighborhoods, just as US companies are doing in India,” Sandhu added.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): President Joe Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an Official State Visit to the United States, which will include a state dinner on June 22, the White House announced on Wednesday, May 10. This would be the first State Visit of an Indian leader after then President Barack Obama invited then prime minister Manmohan Singh for a State Visit in November 2009.
President Biden and the First Lady Dr Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Modi for an Official State Visit to the United States June 22, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement while announcing the visit.
“The upcoming visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the US and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together,” she said.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit will strengthen two countries’ shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific, she said, amid China’s aggressive behavior in the strategic region.
The visit will also elevate the bilateral strategic technology partnership, including in defense, clean energy, and space, she said.
“The leaders will discuss ways to further expand our educational exchanges and people-to-people ties, as well as our work together to confront common challenges from climate change to workforce development and health security,” she added.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US comes ahead of the G20 summit being hosted by India in September.
After becoming the Prime Minister in 2014, Modi has made more than half a dozen trips to the United States for bilateral and multilateral meetings with all the three American presidents, Obama, Donald Trump and now Biden, but this is for the first time he has been invited for an official State Visit, a privilege accorded to America’s close friends and allies.
He last visited Washington in September 2021 at the invitation of President Biden for a bilateral meeting and also attended the first in-person Quad Leaders Summit.
Modi will join Biden and his counterparts from Australia and Japan at a summit of the Quad leaders in Sydney on May 24 that is expected to focus on implications of the Ukraine conflict and the overall situation in the Indo-Pacific.
Before travelling to Australia, Modi is likely to visit the Japanese city of Hiroshima to attend the annual summit of the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies which is scheduled to take place from May 19 to 21.
President Biden will attend the G7 leaders’ summit in Hiroshima as well as the Quad summit in Sydney. Modi’s State Visit is reflective of the importance that the President Biden attaches to his personal relationship with him and the India-US ties. “It is entirely good and proper that the world’s two greatest democracies further cement their strategic, economic, and technology convergence in these turbulent geostrategic times. The State Visit will remind the world that India and America still have so much more potential to capture in our bilateral relations, reflecting the energy and talent of our demographics and our systems, which serve to empower our free peoples,” US-India Business Council president Atul Keshap said. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi met President Biden on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia in November last year. The two leaders also met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Germany in June 2022 and before that in May on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders Summit in Tokyo. Meanwhile, India’s ambassador the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, on May 10 said: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US will show that the partnership between the two nations is people-centric, people-driven, and is good for the world at large”, even as he called the visit “historic.”
“The PM’s forthcoming official state visit to the US, at the invitation of President Biden, is historic. Prime Minister and President Biden have together imparted significantly new vigor and momentum to our bilateral ties,” India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu told PTI. “The visit will be an opportunity for the two leaders to spend time together, take stock of the progress achieved and provide guidance on the future limitless possibilities. The visit will also underscore that India-US partnership is people-centric and people-driven, and that it is not just for the two countries, but for the world at large,” Sandhu said.
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C.(TIP): Describing Buddhism as amongst India’s greatest gifts to the world, Indian ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Friday, May 5 said New Delhi is keen to strengthen the bond people share through this religion. He was speaking at an event on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
“Buddhism is amongst the greatest gifts, from India to the world with more than 2,500 years of history. Today it is practiced in more than 100 countries. It is a strong unifying factor. I have, in my previous assignments in Sri Lanka, witnessed how strong our shared Buddhist heritage is,” Sandhu said.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Government of India, is keen to strengthen the people-to-people linkages, weaved through the common thread of Buddhism,” he said.
The event was attended by eminent Buddhist monks from the Greater Washington DC area.
Referring to Modi’s 2017 visit to Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day, he said several initiatives, like the development of the Buddha Circuit in India and Nepal, the rejuvenation of pilgrimage centers, like Sarnath and Kushinagar, the inauguration of the Kushinagar International Airport, the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini and International Buddhist Confederation are a few examples of India’s efforts.
Sandhu also mentioned India’s assistance to its neighboring countries and Southeast Asia for the construction and renovation of Buddhist monasteries and joint projects to set up international centers and museums for Buddhist culture and heritage as some other examples. The first Global Buddhist Summit was organized by India last month, where scholars from across the world participated, he added.
“Today, the world is facing multiple challenges in the form of pandemics, terrorism, and environmental degradation. And yet, there is no problem for which solutions could not be found in the teachings of the Buddha, who said, ‘be your own light’ and showed us the path which he himself lived,” he said.
Sandhu said India has been deeply influenced by Buddhist philosophy and working with like-minded partners, including the United States, in addressing the diverse headwinds that we face.
“This is manifested in many ways – as one of the first responders, during disasters, or as an exporter of vaccines, to more than 100 countries, to fight Covid-19 pandemic, or by driving sustainability through Mission LiFE, promotion of Millets and Yoga, or the unifying spirit, in the theme of India’s G20 Presidency, Vasu-dhaiva-kutum-bakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future!” Sandhu said.
WASHINGTON, D.C.(TIP): The Indian diaspora and the US Congress have played a “pioneering role” in building and strengthening the relationship between the two countries, India’s ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said. He addressed a gathering of Indian Americans at a reception here on Thursday, April 27. A group of Indian Americans from across the US observed India Advocacy Day at the US Capitol on Thursday, reaching out to more than 70 lawmakers, over a dozen of whom addressed the community at a reception later in the evening. Sandhu said the diaspora and the US Congress have played a “pioneering role” in building and strengthening the India-US relationship.
“It is interesting to see all the Indian American community, the diaspora is so active on the Hill,” he said at the event organized by Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), a US-based non-profit organization working on India and Indian-related studies on socioeconomic, political and international security matters.
“With a population of 4.5 million and direct contribution in diverse fields including tech, hotels, transportation, health care, finance and agriculture, Indian Americans are well established and respected but their issues and concerns on policy matters are not reflected on the Hill. We are here to make an impact and our voice is heard,” Khanderao Kand, director of FIIDS told PTI.
“We are mainly focused on the long-term strategic issues like US-India relations (ICET, strengthening and expanding India Pacific Quad, I2U2), immigration issues like country-wise quota and H-1B, as well as religious phobia towards all religious traditions originated from India,” he said.
More than 65 delegates from 20 states of the US, throughout the day, visited the offices of over 70 Congressmen and held discussions with their senior staffers on issues of importance to the Indian Americans.
“We ask to expand the Indo-Pacific quad to include countries around the Indian Ocean, particularly the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia and strengthen the framework like NATO for regional security,” Kand said.
“The feedback I got is, you did it very respectfully and eloquently and did it in a very effective way. You should be really proud of that. I’m really proud to see how far this community has come,” Congressman Ro Khanna, Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucus told the diaspora community about their visits to of Congress’ offices. “I have no doubt that we’re going to continue to grow, and continue to have this impact… Our involvement is not just good for the Indian American community, our involvement is good for the United States of America,” he said.
Applauding the role of the diaspora in the relationship, Nancy Jackson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, said that America’s partnership with India is strong and growing.
“I really want to thank all of you for all the work that you do to advance and support this important global relationship. This friendship between our two democracies is a global force for good in the world, as are our partnerships in the QUAD,” she said.
Mukesh Aghi, president of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum, said the economic prosperity of India is good for America and its companies and a militarily strong India is good for regional stability.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said the reason why the India-US partnership is so strong is that Indian Americans are the bridge, that glue that brings India and the United States together.
Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar called for comprehensive immigration reform and supported FIIDS recommendations to remove country quota in issuing the Green Card.
He also called for increasing the number of H-1B visas issued by the US every year for foreign technology workers.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said America and India have always been very strong allies and trading partners.
“It is very appropriate that the world’s largest democracy, and one of the world’s oldest democracies are such good friends, not only as commerce allies and we’ve worked together in so many ways,” she said.
“I have the honor of representing a very large and diverse and dynamic Indian American community. And, people that are in this community have contributed successfully in so many areas,” she said.
Congressman Dr Rich McCormick said Indian Americans are the most important demographic in the future of American politics.
“You could really choose the next President of the United States,” he said.
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said Khalsa is a “uniting and not a dividing force,” days after instances of violence at the Indian missions by a small group of pro-Khalistan supporters. Sandhu, who comes from an illustrious Sikh family, made the remarks on Saturday at an event where he was presented with the prestigious “Sikh Hero Award” from Sikhs of America along with several other eminent Sikh Americans.
“Khalsa, which was created on the Baisakhi day, by Guru Gobind Singh is a uniting and not a dividing force,” Sandhu said in his keynote address at the event, which was attended by eminent Sikh Americans from across the country. The Khalsa tradition was initiated in 1699 by the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh.
The important concepts and fundamentals in the Sikh religion and history include universality, unity, equality, honest living, seva, meditation, peace of mind, and harmony between people, he said.
The Khalsa flag—which flies at the Akal Takht and Nishan Sahibs—is a flag of unity, peace and universal love, the Indian diplomat said, asserting that Sikhism is a religion of inclusion, brotherhood, love and equality.
“We must keep these cardinal virtues in mind and not what a couple of mischievous characters spin using virtual media,” Singh said in an apparent reference to the instances of violence by a small group of separatists in the US, Canada, UK and Australia.
In his speech, Sandhu shared with the Sikh diaspora the rise of India and some of the key accomplishments of the country in key sectors of economy, digitization, health and entrepreneurship. “In such a scenario, Punjab and the youth in Punjab need to be connected with the economic, financial, tech and digital revolution happening in India,” Sandhu said.
“The government, people and in particular the youth must take advantage of the expanding partnership with the US in various fields that Prime Minister Modi and President Biden are trying to put in place,” he said.
Noting that youth and their parents are spending millions of dollars for sending their children to the US and Canada, Sandhu said the New Education Policy that has been put in place, and the efforts of the Prime Minister will ensure that such education is available in India as well as Punjab.
“Delighted to receive Hero Award from Sikhs of America. Spoke about imp tenets of Sikhism: seva, brotherhood, equality, inclusion & honesty,” Sandhu said in a tweet after the event. “Highlighted the strengthening of US India partnership and tech and infra transformation taking place in India and huge opportunities for the youth,” he tweeted. In his welcome address, Jasdip Singh Jassee, chairman of Sikhs of America highlighted the role played by awardees in their respective fields. He said that violence has no place in the community. Others who received the prestigious “Sikh Hero Award” included entrepreneur and philanthropist Darshan Singh Dhaliwal; Gurbir Singh Grewal, former New Jersey Attorney General; former Hoboken Mayor Ravi Singh Bhalla, and entrepreneur Manraj Singh Kahlon. Slain Sikh police officer Sandeep Dhaliwal was presented the award posthumously
WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP): As trusted global partners, India and the US are working to address the “pressing challenges of our times,” Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said on Thursday, April 6.
Addressing the New Hampshire State Assembly, a rare privilege given to foreign diplomats, Sandhu said that India stands today as a “beacon of stability, amidst geopolitical uncertainties; an usher of global economic growth; a solution provider to some of the complex challenges of the times; and a consensus builder, in times of conflict and rising tensions.” “India remains interesting, important and incredible,” he said.
President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterize India-US ties as a “Partnership for Global Good” and people call it the “most defining relationship of the 21st century,” he told the lawmakers.
“Our partnership within the QUAD, IPEF and I2U2 frameworks is creating progress and prosperity for the world at large,” he added.
Sandhu said that India and the US, as trusted global partners, are working to address pressing challenges of the times, the solutions to which would involve combining American technology and Indian talent, Washington’s strength to innovate and New Delhi’s ability to scale.
“Some of this is already happening,” he said.
American companies are manufacturing more in India than before, the two countries have launched a historic initiative on critical and emerging technologies, he said, adding, “The technologies that are driving tomorrow’s world, yesterday, – semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, telecom, and quantum.” “We have active vaccine and medicine collaborations such as the Corbevax that are more affordable and accessible,” the Indian envoy said.
Sandhu said, “From New Delhi to New Hampshire, there are several threads that bind us together.” “From the world’s largest democracy to the largest State Assembly, in the United States, we are guided by the same values and the vision, ‘we, the people’,” he said. Addressing the packed State Assembly, Sandhu said that he was convinced of the strength of the shared beliefs of the two countries and the deep-rooted friendship and partnership as he stood “in this temple of democracy, steeped in people’s hopes and aspirations.”
Taking to Twitter after the address, the Indian Ambassador wrote, “A privilege to address the historic #NewHampshire House of Representatives & Senate Members this morning. Highlighted India’s transformative journey and its ever-strengthening partnership with the US.” During his address, Sandhu said that India is an ancient civilization but a young nation as 50 per cent of the population is below 25 years. He added that its talent can be a game-changer for innovation and research for the world.
“We bring to the table our strengths and successes, and we are always ready to share it with the world: From vaccines to disaster relief, to our digital public goods, to our skills,” Sandhu said.
Noting that India supplied vaccines to over 100 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and it was the first country to send a humanitarian mission when disaster struck Turkiye, Sandhu said, “As India leads the G-20 this year, with the motto of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, our approach to the global good, will resonate, far and wide.” “When our students seek education, in Dartmouth, or when a scholar from South New Hampshire University, pursues a Fulbright scholarship in India, we create a lasting friendship, between our peoples,” the top Indian diplomat in the US said.
The Indian diaspora, he said, has been a vibrant and strong bridge connecting the two great nations.
“The Bretton wood twins- IMF and World Bank- were born here in New Hampshire, at the Mount Washington Hotel- and here we are when the World Bank is soon going to be headed by a proud Indian-American!” he said, referring to Indian-American Ajay Banga who is poised to become the next President of the World Bank, adding that the second in command in IMF is already an Indian-American.
He said that 40 per cent of the world’s digital payments come from India.
“Be it the world’s largest biometric programme, Aadhar or world’s largest financial inclusion programme, ‘Jan Dhan Yojana’, or world’s largest Health Protection Mission, ‘Ayushman Bharat’, India has actively used technology as a tool for good governance,” he said. “We have more than 80,000 start-ups, out of which 115 are unicorns. Our rural internet users (USD 340 million), outnumber urban users (USD 290 million). IMF has forecast 15 per cent of global growth this year would come from India,” Sandhu said.
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum, on Wednesday, November 30, welcomed the one-year extension in the tenure of Taranjit Singh Sandhu as New Delhi’s top envoy here, saying it will help consolidate the bilateral relations further. Ambassador Sandhu brings unparalleled expertise and experience in his interactions with both the legislature and executive branches of the US government, the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum said. “His extension will help consolidate US-India relations and take it to new heights,” the forum’s president and CEO Mukesh Aghi said in a statement. Congratulating Sandhu on his extension till 2024, Aghi said the ambassador has been a veteran of US-India relations, and an exceptional asset to the U.S.-India partnership, shepherding this relationship to new heights. “He has seen the evolution of the strategic partnership through his multiple years of experience in the U.S., right from his earlier years in the foreign service in the late 90s, to his stint as DCM and now as Ambassador in Washington,” Aghi said.
“Ambassador Sandhu brings unparalleled expertise and experience in his interactions with both the legislature and executive branches of the US government,” Aghi said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The healthcare cooperation between India and the United States is set to be taken to a new level, New Delhi’s top envoy here said on Tuesday, October 11. The robust and longstanding Vaccine Action Programme (VAP) is perhaps one of the most glaring examples of an initiative where India and the US work together, for the benefit of the people not only of India and the US but across the world, India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, said in his address to the 34th Meeting of the Joint Working Group of the Indo-US VAP. My compliments to the US and India teams for holding this event, he said, adding: “With strong complementarities and an intent political leadership in both countries, our healthcare cooperation is set to be taken to a new level.” Sandhu said India’s embrace of technology in healthcare such as reforms like Production Linked Incentives in the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors and its experience in large-scale immunization programs would enable the two countries to take the healthcare cooperation to the next level.
“Going forward, working together in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as, Asia, future preparedness against outbreaks of infectious diseases, harmonization of standards for medical product innovations, and elimination of risks from import of pharmaceutical ingredients from a single source are some key areas where we could explore bilateral collaboration,” he said.
Meeting in the backdrop of an unprecedented pandemic, the ambassador said there had been a number of takeaways from the Covid-19 pandemic for the world. Most significantly, the pandemic reiterated to the world that vaccination is perhaps humanity’s best shot at effectively managing infectious diseases like Covid19 by substantially reducing hospitalizations, mitigating severity, and importantly, bringing down the number of fatalities, he said.
According to Sandhu, in the three and a half decades since its inception, the VAP has supported novel vaccine research, yielded prototype products, trained human resources, and encouraged interactions with scientists, across the globe.
“The Rotavirus vaccine jointly developed under VAP that brought down the price of the vaccine from USD 0.60 to USD 1, is one of the strongest impacts that VAP has made in the world,” Sandhu said. “During the pandemic, we drew strength from VAP when Indian and the US entities worked together on over half a dozen vaccine collaborations. We combined our unique strengths and synergies including scale, technology, and affordability – be it in the form of the Baylor College of Medicine, developed Corbevax (BCM and BioE), or the Novavax and Serum Institute of India produced Covovax or the BioE – J&J collaborated Janssen,” he said.
Today, VAP is supplemented, by the expanding bilateral healthcare collaboration. India and the US have been working together in combatting diseases such as tuberculosis, cancer, HIV, eye diseases, etc. Indian firms supplied about 40 per cent of generics marketed in the United States. “This has allowed American healthcare consumers, to save up to USD 80 billion in the last two years and enhanced access to quality medicines. There are over 200 active collaborations between NIH and leading Indian research agencies,” he said.
Last year the bilateral health dialogue was held in New Delhi where an umbrella MOU on health and bio-medics was signed. The two countries helped each other, as well as the world during the pandemic. In 2020, India ensured the integrity of health supply chains, providing essential medicines to the US. “In 2021, US supported India, during the Delta surge. The administration, US Congress, private sector and Indian Diaspora came together to support India in various ways, including in vaccine raw materials, and critical health infrastructure. US supported the India-South Africa proposals for a TRIPS Waiver at the WTO,” Sandhu said of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Recognizing the importance of Indian armed forces’ veterans, the Indian Embassy here on Monday, July 4, Indian Embassy organized ‘Varishtha Yoddha’, an event to honor the ex-servicemen who are now living in the United States. More than 140 people, including some distinguished veterans who had fought in various wars and their families, attended the event here. “Friends, you have served and sacrificed for Mother India, with utmost sense of duty and selflessness. You and your family members as a part of 4 million-strong Indian community are instrumental in strengthening India-US ties across a diversity of sectors,” Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s Ambassador to the US, said.
“While no recognition and award can do justice to your contributions, today’s event in a small way expresses our respect and gratitude and tells you that we are here for you,” he said in his admiration to the veterans. “It’s a matter of pride, privilege and honor for me to be a part of this special gathering.” There are people in this room, who have fought for India in 1948, 1962, 1965 or 1971, 1985, the Kargil war in 1999 and in numerous other operations, he said. “Today’s Varishtha Yoddha event is our humble effort to recognize the sacrifice and service of our veterans and honor them for the patriotism, dedication and willingness to serve and sacrifice all for the nation.
“We remain committed to taking care of our veterans in the same way as they have taken care of the security of our country,” he said. Sandhu said Indians veterans, wherever they go, carry the highest standards of duty, discipline and professionalism for which Indian armed forces are known.
“Our veterans living in USA remain the flag-bearers of the traditions of our armed forces and continue to inspire the Indian community,” he said. India-US strategic partnership is enriched by their wisdom, hard work and high moral values, he added. In his address, Sandhu said the defense partnership between the US and India has been instrumental in intensifying a variety of pacts between them, including those related to sharing of defense technology and cooperation in maritime security and counter-piracy.
India has been designated as a ‘Major Defense Partner’ by US, and conducts more military exercises with the US, than with any other country. Currently, an Indian naval contingent, including a naval ship, is in Hawaii for participation, in RIMPAC naval exercise, Sandhu told the veterans.
Over the last decade, he said, India has procured defense-related acquisitions from the US worth over $20 billion. “Today, Indian forces are operating US defense platforms, including transport planes, helicopters, howitzers, ships and a number of other light equipment many of which have been fully deployed in operational and humanitarian uses, including during the COVID pandemic to deliver aid and transport medical supplies,” said the Indian envoy. “In line with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, we are moving forward leveraging our comparative advantages and the opportunity for defense industrial collaboration, especially to innovate, co-develop and co-produce for India and for the world,” he said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Applauding the Indian Americans for their accomplishments in almost every walk of life in the United States, India’s top Ambassador to the US said Saturday their achievements are a reflection of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Addressing a gathering of eminent Indian-Americans from across the country, the first-of-its-kind since the COVID-19 pandemic, at India House in Washington DC, India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu applauded the achievements of this influential ethnic community, which constitutes just one per cent of the population of the US.
“All you have played a very significant role in transforming the India-US relationship, especially in the last two-and-a-half decades. Your achievements are actually a reflection of the India-US relationship today,” he said.
“The most wonderful part of this evening is that we have people across the United States, across the spectrum, who have come here,” he said. The largest gathering of Indian -Americans at the India House in recent years included people from the Biden Administration, from the US State, Capitol Hill, to those heading professional organizations, and also top entrepreneurs, scientists, academicians, civil servants, civil society, artists, and many students.
“I can see that there is hardly any sector which has not been represented here today. We have with us the cybersecurity czar of the White House. We have the global health security czar at the White House. We have the drug control czar of the administration,…all Indian-Americans,” he said.
“We have a number of CEOs of multinational companies this evening, hardworking professionals, spirited entrepreneurs, self-made farmers from California and other states, members of the think-tanks, leading academics and scientists. We also have even nonprofit workers who are helping women in distress,” he said.
“All this shows the strength of the Indian American diaspora in the United States. And we are very proud of your achievements,” Sandhu said amidst applause from the gathering.
The reception was also attended by the Indian Consul Generals from its other diplomatic missions in the US in Houston, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago and New York.
In his address, the top Indian diplomat praised the community leaders for their support towards India.
Sandhu said the India-US relationship has solid bipartisan support. “I’ve seen this relationship closely for the last 25 years. Whether it was President Clinton or President George W, and President Obama, President Trump and now President Biden, there is a steady upward trajectory,” he said.
“In the last one-and-a-half years, despite all the challenges and difficulties, Prime Minister Modi and President Biden have met in person twice, seven times virtually. The most recent last month had the bilateral and the QUAD summit in Tokyo,” he said. India, he said, has joined the Indo-Pacific Economic Partnership Framework. Several ministerial interactions have taken place. “In fact, two months ago, three of our top four ministers within the span of 10 days visited the United States. These are among the top four top members of the Cabinet Committee on Security. We had the External Affairs Minister, that Defense Minister and the Finance Minister visiting here,” he said.
Sandhu said the bilateral trade has reached an all-time high. “Of course, it’s still the tip of the iceberg. It’s USD160 billion despite the supply chain constraints, despite the pandemic, despite not having an FTA between our two countries,” he said. “The pandemic has not slowed down the pace of our engagements and activities,” he said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Observing that India walks a difficult middle ground on the Ukraine crisis, two Democratic lawmakers Wednesday urged India to condemn Russian military operations against Ukraine which they said have no place in the 21st century.
In a letter to India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Congressman Ted W Lieu and Congressman Tom Malinowski said, ”Though we understand India’s relationship with Russia, we are disappointed with your government’s decision to abstain from the UN General Assembly’s March 2 vote.” They said Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine undermines the rules-based order, ”and by invading Ukraine, Russia is trying to destroy a set of rules that protect India as well”.
”India’s historic support for the UN Charter and the principles of territorial integrity gives us hope that India will join other democracies to support Ukrainian sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression,” the two Democratic lawmakers wrote.
They said they ”deeply value” the relationship between the United States and India. ”Ät the same time, we are disappointed that India has taken this approach in response to Russia’s actions.”
”We understand that India walks a difficult middle ground, but Russia’s actions have no place in the 21st century. Many countries who have relationships with Russia did the right thing and condemned the Russian government – they chose the right side of history and so should India,” they said. “We hope that India will move away from its current position that places blame on both sides and acknowledge that Russia is the aggressor in this conflict,” Lieu and Malinowski wrote in the letter dated March 16. The two lawmakers wrote a separate letter to Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Majeed Khan urging Islamabad to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine. ”We are disappointed with your government’s decision to abstain from the UN General Assembly’s March 2 vote. We are also disappointed that Prime Minister Imran Khan announced bilateral trade agreements with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine,” they said. ”The Prime Minister’s decision to proceed with his visit to Moscow, at a moment when the world was uniting in support of Ukraine, ran counter to the international community’s efforts to reaffirm Ukraine’s territorial integrity and call out Russia as the aggressor,” the two lawmakers wrote.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): “India’s partnership with the United States will be an important pillar in realizing a greener and sustainable future for the world,” India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, wrote in an op-ed published by the Newsweek magazine on Monday, March 7. India is expected to witness the largest increase in energy demand of any country by 2040. To meet growth in electricity demand over the next 20 years, India will need to add a power system the size of the European Union to what it has now.
“In their national and international efforts to advance climate action, India and the US have been working closely at the bilateral, plurilateral and global levels,” Sandhu wrote. “In April 2021, India and the US launched the Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership, with two main tracks-the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership and the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue,” he said. Through these measures, the two countries seek to mobilize finance and accelerate clean energy deployment, demonstrate and scale innovative clean technologies and build capacities, he added.
As India transitions to gas-based fuels, it is now the fifth largest market for US LNG, he said, adding that through the India-US Low Emissions Gas Task Force, industries of both countries have forged commercial partnerships.
“India and the US are exploring collaboration in advanced high-efficiency coal technologies with low-to-zero emissions through carbon capture, utilization and storage. Research and development cooperation for solar cell manufacturing and storage is in progress,” he said. Sandhu wrote that the US financial institutions have announced credit guarantees for India’s small and medium enterprise (SME) sector to deploy rooftop solar capacity. “The two countries have also launched the India-US Hydrogen Task Force looking at issues ranging from sustainable production of hydrogen to its safe deployment. Use of artificial intelligence models in integrating renewable energy and stabilizing power grids offers yet another avenue for cooperation,” he wrote.
Over the past few years, green growth and combating climate change has emerged as one of the core pillars of the India-US relationship.
India has set for itself ambitious clean and renewable energy goals. In terms of installed capacity, India is the 4th largest in renewable energy; 4th largest in wind power; and 5th largest in solar power. It has taken lead at international level in the crusade against climate change through its contribution in setting up the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. During his tenure here, Sandhu has made it one of the five pillars of India US engagement. Among the top few he has held meetings on this issue, including CEOs of First Solar, Vinmar international and ExxonMobil India. He has held separate meetings with top officials of the Biden administration including Under Secretary of Energy Geraldine Richmond; Under Secretary of State for Energy Jose Fernandez; and Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk, Some Congress members with whom clean energy was a key point of discussion during his meeting include Scott Peters, Ted Deutch, Pramila Jayapal, Ted Lieu, Andy Kim, and Grace Meng.
