The Government on Tuesday, approved the appointment of Taranjit Singh Sandhu as the next Indian Ambassador to the United States of America (USA).
Sandhu is an alumnus of JNU and St Stephens College and is known for his out of the box diplomatic skills.
ALSO READ: Govt appoints Michael Patra as RBI Deputy Governor
This clearly signals the resolve of the Narendra Modi government to appoint go-getters for key positions based on their performance in their domain.
He was instrumental in handling India’s Sri Lanka policy effectively and New Delhi was able to reach out to the new leadership in Sri Lanka in a proactive manner.
His previous stint as the Deputy Chief of Mission saw him supplement External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s energetic style of diplomacy as he was his Deputy.
While PM’s Madison Square Garden event was a blockbuster success, the record turns out of lawmakers, also demonstrated India’s outreach in the US Congress and Senate.
Sandhu is an old US hand and will be a good points person in Washington for PM Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
An added advantage will be his excellent rapport with Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla whom he will succeed. Both have been from the same college and have been old friends. He will be able to take forward some of the initiatives Shringla launched in Washington to take the relationship to a new high.
Sandhu also enjoys good connect amongst the Indian Americans and will also help strengthen the diaspora links. During his previous stint in the US he brought together diaspora from all regions in India with a slew of outreach initiatives, and his stint will help Narendra Modi government’s people first diplomacy.