WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Veteran Indian diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu has joined the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) as an advisor to the board and chairman of its newly created Geopolitical Institute. Sandhu’s appointment comes as the U.S.-India relationship continues to grow into a global strategic alliance. His decades of diplomatic service and leadership are expected to guide USISPF’s efforts in strengthening partnerships across trade, defense, energy, and technology.

Sandhu retired from the Indian Foreign Service in February 2024 after serving for more than 35 years. He held key roles in countries such as the United States, Sri Lanka, Germany, and Ukraine.

He served as India’s Ambassador to the U.S. from 2020 to 2024. During this time, he played a key role in several major milestones in U.S.-India relations. These included Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 state visit to Washington and President Joe Biden’s visit to New Delhi for the G20 Summit. Sandhu also helped organize President Donald Trump’s visit to India in 2020.

Before his role as ambassador, Sandhu worked as India’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington from 2013 to 2016. He served under S. Jaishankar, now India’s Minister of External Affairs. Sandhu also served as High Commissioner to Sri Lanka between 2017 and 2020. In his new role at USISPF, Sandhu will lead the organization’s strategic focus on key global partnerships. 

He will work on initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the Quad alliance, and the I2U2 group that includes India, Israel, the U.S., and the United Arab Emirates. These initiatives focus on improving regional connectivity, boosting energy security, and enhancing technology collaboration. The USISPF expects Sandhu to use his deep knowledge of diplomacy to strengthen multilateral cooperation and supply chain resilience.

“I have had the opportunity to work on and follow the India-U.S. story for over three decades,” Sandhu said. “The relationship has matured into a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. It is built on shared values and strong people-to-people ties.”

Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of USISPF, praised Sandhu for his diplomatic skills and leadership. He called Sandhu “a master architect of U.S.-India relations.”

“Ambassador Sandhu brings unparalleled expertise in diplomacy, defense, and technology,” Aghi said. “He also has a special ability to connect with people. His leadership will take this strategic partnership to the next level.”

The USISPF is a non-profit organization that supports stronger ties between the U.S. and India. It represents over 400 global companies with a combined market value of more than $10 trillion. Sandhu will guide USISPF’s efforts to foster public-private partnerships. His role will support areas such as digital innovation, energy, infrastructure, and clean technology.

He will also help grow people-to-people relationships, especially among the Indian diaspora in the U.S. This group plays a major role in business, education, and culture, linking both nations more closely. The appointment signals USISPF’s plan to strengthen its geopolitical focus. With Sandhu at the helm of its Geopolitical Institute, the organization will aim to build stronger networks between democracies, boost economic development, and support peace in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Born in 1963, Sandhu is a 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service officer. He earned his master’s degree in international relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. Throughout his career, Sandhu has focused on high-level diplomacy and policy planning. He has also built deep relationships with U.S. lawmakers, corporate leaders, and think tanks.

Now, as chairman of USISPF’s Geopolitical Institute, Sandhu will work to expand India’s global influence while deepening U.S.-India cooperation. His focus on key partnerships like the Quad, IMEC, and I2U2 will help shape global strategies for connectivity, defense, and economic growth. Sandhu’s new role highlights the growing importance of U.S.-India ties in shaping global policy. As two of the world’s largest democracies, both countries continue to expand cooperation in key sectors.

“I’m honored to join USISPF,” Sandhu said. “In today’s complex global environment, I am committed to further strengthening this vital partnership.”