US bids farewell to outgoing Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu
Top US officials bid farewell to outgoing Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The event was hosted by the US-India Business Council (USIC) in Washington on Wednesday.
US President Joe Biden's top national security aide, Kurt Campbell voiced appreciation for the efforts and initiatives undertaken by Ambassador Sandhu during this tenure, particularly his contribution towards enhancing the India-US relations.
"I just have a few comments I'd like to make if I could. Very rarely does an Ambassador get to make such a mark on a bilateral relationship. And we've all had the benefit of working with the magic that is Ambassador Sandhu, and it's difficult to put your finger on all the things that make him so successful," Campbell said
"First, and perhaps most importantly, his sense of vision. At the very first meeting I had with him, he articulated a view of where he thought US-India relations should go. He recognised the bureaucratic impediments in both of our systems and thought it was important that we drive through them, be relentless and determined, and do it in good cheer. And I was struck by his determination to move in a very forward direction," he said, as he heaped praises for Sandhu at the reception and farewell toast which was organised in honour of Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Wednesday.
"Second, he was always thinking about what are the ways to get around problems. How can we advance certain goals if we run into certain difficulties? He had a way of conspiring to bring you into discussions in a way that was incredibly empowering and I think, quite effective," Campbell went on to say.
Campbell, as he spoke at length about Sandhu's stint as India's envoy to the United States, underlined how Sandhu was a hard-charging, passionate person who wanted what was best for both of our countries.
Separately, at the same event, American diplomat Atul Keshap of the United States-India Business Council (USIBC) called Sandhu a "star" and stated that he would be dearly missed.
In his address at the event, Keshap said, "This is a very sweet occasion...I want to thank all, the US government, and the friends who are here today to bid a fun farewell to Ambassador Sandhu. We really want to ensure to send off Ambassador Sandhu in style and we want to celebrate in the grandest way possible."
"You truly are a star and you will be greatly missed," he said pointing to Sandhu.
"In addition to being a skilled diplomat, you have been a dreamer who has achieved truly great things for the US-India relationship," Keshap added, as he spoke further.
Ambassador Sandhu bid farewell with a sense of accomplishment as the top Indian diplomat's tenure has been marked by his dedicated efforts to boost bilateral ties between India and the US.
Sandhu, meanwhile also received a virtual farewell reception following that event by leading physicians from across the United States.
Sandhu assumed charge as the Indian Ambassador to the United States in February 2020.
Sandhu's most immediate task after being appointed was then-President Donald Trump's India visit, followed by keeping up the momentum in bilateral ties.
(ANI)