The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has appointed Taranjit Singh Sandhu, a veteran Indian diplomat, as an advisor to the board and chairman of its geopolitical institute.
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has announced the appointment of Taranjit Singh Sandhu, a seasoned Indian diplomat, to the roles of board advisor and chairman of its geopolitical institute. Sandhu brings nearly four decades of diplomatic experience to the position, previously serving as India’s ambassador to the United States.
During his extensive career, Sandhu played a significant role in bolstering U.S.-India relations. His new role will see him guide USISPF’s strategic initiatives, particularly focusing on major geopolitical projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the Quad (Indo-Pacific Quadrilateral Dialogue), and the I2U2 group, which includes India, Israel, the U.S., and the UAE.
In a statement about his appointment, Sandhu remarked, “I have had the opportunity to work on as well as follow the India-US story for over three decades. The relationship has evolved into a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, underpinned by shared values and interests, matured in character, and nurtured by the vibrant people-to-people ties between the two countries.”
Under Sandhu’s leadership, U.S.-India relations achieved significant milestones, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 state visit to the U.S., President Joe Biden’s participation in the G20 summit in New Delhi, and President Donald Trump’s visit to India in 2020. Sandhu’s earlier tenure in Washington as Deputy Chief of Mission involved crucial diplomatic engagements, including facilitating Modi’s noteworthy 2014 Madison Square Garden address.
Mukesh Aghi, the president of USISPF, praised Sandhu’s extensive experience and diplomatic acumen, describing him as “one of the brightest minds New Delhi has sent to Washington.” Aghi expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Sandhu in his new capacity at USISPF, stating, “Having worked closely with Ambassador Sandhu during his diplomatic days, I am eager to engage with him in this new avatar, this time with his new USISPF hat.”
Sandhu is expected to enhance USISPF’s efforts in multilateral forums, contribute to supply chain resilience, support energy security initiatives, and foster deeper people-to-people connections. His leadership within the Forum is anticipated to further solidify the strategic ties between the U.S. and India, the world’s largest democracies.