‘Matter of satisfaction and happiness’: Delhi LG and ex-envoy Taranjit Sandhu on Trump’s congratulatory message | India News
New Delhi: Former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Saturday expressed “great satisfaction and happiness” after US President Donald Trump congratulated him on his appointment to Delhi. Lieutenant Governor and praised his “deep commitment” to strengthening bilateral ties.Also Read | ‘Seasoned diplomat’: Trump congratulates former US ambassador Taranjit Sandhu for appointing Delhi LGSandhu was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in March. He served as India’s Ambassador to Washington from February 2020 to March 2024. After retirement, he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Amritsar constituency on the ticket of the ruling BJP, but lost.“The relationship between the US and India is in the national interest of both countries. The thinking of the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is very clear – he has outlined it many times. I was just doing my job. It’s certainly a matter of satisfaction and pleasure that President Trump acknowledged that in his post,” the former diplomat told reporters when asked about Trump’s Truth Social message.He added, “But I also want to mention that President Biden also spoke of good work. Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, we have been able to transform the relationship into a partnership.”Trump was the US president when Sadhu was appointed India’s ambassador to Washington, but he lost the November 2020 election to Joe Biden. Following Biden’s decision not to seek a second term, the Republican returned to the White House in November 2024 after defeating then-Vice President Kamala Harris.On Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Congratulations to Taranjit Sandhu on becoming the new Lt. Governor of Delhi! As a seasoned diplomat and former ambassador to the US, he has always shown a deep commitment to strengthening US-India relations. Wishing him success in advancing Delhi and furthering global relations!”Sandhu was replaced in Washington by current ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra. In Delhi, he took over from Binai Kumar Saxena, who was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
