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{{short description|Indian diplomat}}
{{Short description|Lieutenant Governor of Delhi (born 1963)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Taranjit Singh Sandhu
| name                = Taranjit Singh
| image              = File:Secretary Kerry Poses for a Photo With U.S. Ambassador Verma and Indian Deputy Chief of Mission Taranjit Singh Sandhu (15438983803).jpg
| honorific_prefix    = [[The Honourable]]
| alt                =
| honorific_suffix    = [[Indian Foreign Service|IFS]] {{small|(Retired)}}
| caption            = Sandhu on the right with [[John Kerry]] and [[Rich Verma]]
| image              = India Artemis Accords Signing (NHQ202306210057, cropped).jpg
| order              =
| caption            = Sandhu in 2023
| office              = 28th [[List of ambassadors of India to the United States|Ambassador of India to the  United States]]
| office              = [[List of lieutenant governors of Delhi|Lieutenant Governor of Delhi]]
| term_start          = 6 February 2020
| term_start          = 11 March 2026
| term_end            =  
| term_end            =  
| predecessor        = [[Harsh Vardhan Shringla]]
| president          = [[Droupadi Murmu]]
| successor          =  
| prime_minister      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| president          = [[Ram Nath Kovind]]
| predecessor        = [[Vinai Kumar Saxena]]
| office1             = [[High Commissioner of India|High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka]]
| 1blankname          = Chief Minister
| term_start1         = January 2017
| 1namedata          = [[Rekha Gupta]]
| term_end1           = January 2020
| office1            = 28th [[List of ambassadors of India to the United States|Ambassador of India to the  United States]]
| president1         = [[Pranab Mukherjee]] <br> [[Ram Nath Kovind]]
| term_start1        = 6 February 2020
| predecessor1       = [[Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha]]
| term_end1          = 31 January 2024
| successor1         = Gopal Baglay
| predecessor1        = [[Harsh Vardhan Shringla]]
| successor1          = [[Vinay Mohan Kwatra]]
| president1          = [[Droupadi Murmu]] <br> [[Ram Nath Kovind]]
| prime_minister1      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| office2             = [[List of ambassadors and high commissioners of India|High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka]]
| term_start2         = January 2017
| term_end2           = January 2020
| president2         = [[Pranab Mukherjee]] <br> [[Ram Nath Kovind]]
| prime_minister2      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| predecessor2       = [[Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha]]
| successor2         = Gopal Baglay
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1963|1|23|df=yes}}
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1963|1|23|df=yes}}
| birth_place        =
| nationality        =
| party              =
| otherparty          = <!--For additional political affiliations-->
| height              = <!-- "X cm", "X m" or "X ft Y in" plus optional reference (conversions are automatic) -->
| spouse              = [[Reenat Sandhu]]
| spouse              = [[Reenat Sandhu]]
| partner            = <!--For those with a domestic partner and not married-->
| children            = 2, Son & Daughter
| relations          =
| party              = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| children            = 1 son, 1 daughter
| education           =  
| parents            =  
*[[Delhi University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
| mother              =
*[[Jawaharlal Nehru University]] ([[Master of Arts|MA]])
| father              =
| occupation          = [[Diplomat]]
| relatives           =  
| residence          =
| education          = M.A (International Relations)
| alma_mater          =
| occupation          = Diplomat
| profession          =
| known_for          =
| salary              =
| net_worth          = <!-- Net worth should be supported with a citation from a reliable source -->
| portfolio          =
| religion            =
| awards              = <!-- For civilian awards - appears as "Awards" if |mawards= is not set -->
| blank1              =
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| website            = <!--Embedded templates / Footnotes-->
| module              =
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}}
}}
'''Taranjit Singh Sandhu''' is an Indian diplomat and current [[List of ambassadors of India to the United States|Indian Ambassador to the United States]]. He previously served as [[High Commissioner of India]] to [[Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/32332/Shri_Taranjit_Singh_Sandhu_has_been_appointed_as_the_next_Ambassador_of_India_to_the_United_States_of_America| title=Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United States of America| work= Ministry of External Affairs| date= 28 January 2020}}</ref>
 
'''Taranjit Singh Sandhu''' (born 23 January 1963) is an Indian [[politician]] and retired [[diplomat]] of [[Indian Foreign Service]] who is serving as the 21st [[List of lieutenant governors of Delhi|Lieutenant Governor of Delhi]] since 2026. He previously served as [[List of ambassadors and high commissioners of India|High Commissioner of India]] to [[Sri Lanka]] and 28th [[List of ambassadors of India to the United States|Ambassador of India to the United States]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/32332/Shri_Taranjit_Singh_Sandhu_has_been_appointed_as_the_next_Ambassador_of_India_to_the_United_States_of_America| title=Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United States of America| work= Ministry of External Affairs| date= 28 January 2020}}</ref>
 
==Early life and education==
Sandhu completed his schooling at [[The Lawrence School, Sanawar]]. He subsequently obtained a [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] degree in [[History]] from [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi|St. Stephen's College]], University of Delhi. He later pursued higher studies at [[Jawaharlal Nehru University]], New Delhi, where he earned a [[Master of Arts|M.A.]] degree in [[International Relations]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taranjit Singh Sandhu |url=https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/TaranjitSinghSandhu |website=Indian Embassy in USA |access-date=2025-03-12 |language=en}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Taranjit Singh Sandhu joined the [[Indian Foreign Service]] in 1988. He was responsible for opening the Indian embassy in Ukraine and also worked there as head of the political and administration wings.<ref>https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/01/15/who-is-taranjit-singh-sandhu-frontrunner-for-post-of-ambassador-to-us.html</ref> He was the first secretary in Washington. He also worked as consul general in [[Frankfurt]] and Deputy Chief of Mission at the [[Embassy of India, Washington, D.C.|Embassy of India in Washington D.C.]] and Consul General of India in Frankfurt. He has also served in different capacity at the [[Ministry of External Affairs, India]] in different capacities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lmd.lk/high-commissioner-of-india-h-e-taranjit-singh-sandhu-delivers/|website=LMD The Voice of Business |title=High Commissioner of India H.E. Taranjit Singh Sandhu delivers Lalith Athulathmudali Commemoration Freedom Speech|access-date=2019-12-08}}</ref><ref>https://indianembassyusa.gov.in/extra?id=59</ref>
===IFS Training & first posting in Moscow===
Taranjit Singh Sandhu qualified the [[UPSC Civil Services Examination]] and joined the [[Indian Foreign Service]] in 1988. After completing the foundation course at [[Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration]] (LBSNAA) and professional training at the [[Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service]] (SSIFS), he was posted in 1990 to the [[Embassy of India, Moscow|Embassy of India]] in [[Moscow]], [[Soviet Union]], as a Third Secretary (political) and later Second Secretary (commercial). During his posting, he also completed [[Russian language]] training at [[Moscow State University]] in 1992.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/who-is-taranjit-singh-sandhu-st-stephens-college-jnu-educated-diplomat-appointed-delhis-lieutenant-governor/articleshow/129130188.cms |title=Early Career of Delhi LG Sandhu in Moscow |work=The Economic Times |date=6 March 2026 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref>
 
===Establishing relations with Ukraine===
Following the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]], in 1992 Sandhu was tasked with helping establish the [[Embassy of India, Kyiv|Embassy of India]] in [[Kyiv]], [[Ukraine]]. He subsequently served there as the Head of the Political and Administration Wings until 1994.<ref name="theweek">{{cite web |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/01/15/who-is-taranjit-singh-sandhu-frontrunner-for-post-of-ambassador-to-us.html |title=Who is Taranjit Singh Sandhu, frontrunner for post of ambassador to US? |website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]}}</ref>
 
===Officer of Special Duty in MEA, New Delhi===
After returning to India, Sandhu served as Officer on Special Duty (Press Relations) in the [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs]] from December 1995 to March 1997. In this role, he was responsible for maintaining liaison with foreign media operating in India.<ref name="AmericaTimes" />
 
===First Secretary in Washington D.C.===
In 1997, he was posted to the [[Embassy of India, Washington, D.C.|Embassy of India]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], [[United States]], where he served as First Secretary (Political) from 1997 to 2000. During this period, he was responsible for handling political affairs and maintaining liaison with the [[United States Congress]].<ref name="AmericaTimes" />
 
===Head of the Political Wing, Colombo===
From December 2000 to September 2004, Sandhu served at the [[High Commission of India, Colombo|High Commission of India]] in [[Colombo]], [[Sri Lanka]], where he headed the Political Wing. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing political affairs and monitoring developments in [[India–Sri Lanka relations]].<ref name="AmericaTimes" />
 
===United Nations, New York===
In July 2005, Sandhu was posted to the [[Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations]] in [[New York City]], [[United States]], where he served until February 2009. During this period, he represented India in various multilateral forums and participated in discussions and negotiations on key global issues at the [[United Nations]].<ref name="AmericaTimes">{{cite news |url=https://www.america-times.com/new-indian-ambassador-taranjit-sandhu-arrives-us/ |title=Career of Taranjit Singh Sandhu |work=America Times |date=3 February 2020 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref>
 
===Joint Secretary in MEA, New Delhi===
After completing his assignment in New York, Sandhu returned to India and served as [[Joint Secretary]] in the [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs]] from March 2009 to August 2011, coordinating India's UN policy, multilateral diplomacy, and engagement with global governance institutions. He later served as Joint Secretary (Administration), heading the Human Resource Division and overseeing personnel management, postings, and administrative matters for the Indian Foreign Service and ministry staff.<ref name="AmericaTimes" />
 
===Consul General of India in Frankfurt===
[[File:Manmohan Singh being received by the Consul General of India in Frankfurt, Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu, at the Frankfurt International Airport.jpg|[[Manmohan Singh]] being received by the Consul General of India in Frankfurt, Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu, at the [[Frankfurt International Airport]]|thumb]]
From September 2011 to July 2013, Sandhu served as the [[Consul General]] of India in [[Frankfurt]], [[Germany]]. In this role, he was responsible for strengthening India’s economic, commercial, and cultural engagement with the region, specially given the fact that Frankfurt is the [[Financial centre|Financial Capital]] of Germany, while also overseeing consular services for the Indian community and businesses in Germany.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/prime-minister-manmohan-singh-arrives-in-frankfurt-on-way-to-india-536279 |title=Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives in Frankfurt en route to India |work=NDTV |date=1 October 2013 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref>
 
=== Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington D.C.===
[[File:Narendra Modi with the Embassy officials and children at Indian Embassy in USA, at Washington DC on September 30, 2014. The Union Minister for External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj is also seen.jpg|thumb|[[Prime Minister of India|PM]] Narendra Modi with the Embassy officials including then [[List of ambassadors of India to the United States|Ambassadaor of India to USA]] [[S. Jaishankar]] and their families at Indian Embassy in USA, at Washington DC on September 30, 2014. Sandhu is standing to the right of the [[Foreign Secretary of India|Foreign Secretary]] [[Sujatha Singh]] who is standing right to the [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|External Affairs Minister]] Smt. [[Sushma Swaraj]]]]
 
From July 2013 to January 2017, Sandhu served as the [[Deputy Chief of Mission]] at the [[Embassy of India, Washington, D.C.|Embassy of India]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], [[United States]]. As the second-senior most diplomat at the mission, he played a key role in advancing the [[India–United States relations|India–United States strategic partnership]] and coordinating high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries. During this period, he worked closely with senior officials in both governments and contributed to preparations for high-level visits, including [[Narendra Modi]]’s first ever visit to the [[United States of America]] and to the [[United Nations]] in 2014, during the visit the Modi meet with [[POTUS|President]] [[Barack Obama]]. His tenure also involved strengthening political, economic, and strategic cooperation between India and the United States while managing the day-to-day functioning of the embassy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/taranjit-singh-sandhu-appointed-india-s-ambassador-to-us-1641003-2020-01-28 |title=Taranjit Singh Sandhu appointed India's ambassador to US |website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://lmd.lk/high-commissioner-of-india-h-e-taranjit-singh-sandhu-delivers/|website=LMD The Voice of Business |title=High Commissioner of India H.E. Taranjit Singh Sandhu delivers Lalith Athulathmudali Commemoration Freedom Speech|access-date=2019-12-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianembassyusa.gov.in/extra?id=59|title = Welcome to Embassy of India, Washington D C, USA}}</ref>
 
===High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka===
From January 2017 to January 2020, Sandhu served as the [[High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka|High Commissioner of India]] in [[Sri Lanka]]. In this role, he was responsible for strengthening bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka, including in areas of trade, security, and regional cooperation. He played a key role in fostering political dialogue between India and Sri Lanka due to the [[Belt and Road Initiative|BRI initiative]] of the [[CCP|Chinese government]] and supporting developmental and cultural initiatives, while also overseeing the operations of the High Commission and engaging with the Indian diaspora specially [[Tamils in Sri Lanka]].<ref name="theweek"/>
 
===Ambassador of India to the United States===
<gallery mode="packed" widths="200px" heights="150px" captionalign="center">
File:Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu presented his Credentials to President of the United States of America, H.E. Mr. Donald Trump.jpg|Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu presenting credentials to President [[Donald Trump]] in the [[Oval Office]]
File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in a Bilateral Meeting with the Vice President of the United States of America, Ms. Kamala Harris, in Washington DC, USA on September 23, 2021 (3).jpg|Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, [[National Security Advisor of India|NSA]] [[Ajit Doval]], Foreign Secretary [[Harsh Vardhan Shringla]] and Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu in a bilateral meeting with US [[VPOTUS|Vice President]] [[Kamala Harris]] in Washington, D.C. on September 23, 2021
File:PM and the President of USA, Mr. Joe Biden at the Expanded Bilateral Meeting in White House, Washington DC on June 22, 2023.jpg|Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary [[Vinay Mohan Kwatra]] and Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu with US President [[Joe Biden]] at the Expanded Bilateral Meeting, [[White House]], Washington, D.C. on June 22, 2023
</gallery>
[[File:India Artemis Accords Signing (NHQ202306210055).jpg|[[NASA Administrator]] [[Bill Nelson]] and Indian Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu holding the signed [[Artemis Accords]]|thumb]]
Sandhu presented his credentials to President [[Donald Trump]] in early February 2020 and served as the [[Ambassador of India to the United States]] until 31 January 2024.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/india-us-will-work-together-to-combat-terrorism-jihadi-culture-ambassador-sandhu/cid/1743158|title=India, US will work together to combat terrorism, Jihadi culture: Ambassador Sandhu|date=February 7, 2020|accessdate=February 19, 2020|publisher=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ambassador-taranjit-singh-sandhu-presents-his-credentials-to-us-president-donald-trump/story-ugGE2K4Qc5yizeT4zMzEMI.html|title=Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu presents his credentials to US president Donald Trump|first=Murali|last=Krishnan|date=February 7, 2020|accessdate=February 19, 2020|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> In 2022, he was widely regarded as a potential candidate for the position of [[Foreign Secretary of India]], though [[Vinay Mohan Kwatra]] ultimately assumed the role. Subsequently, Sandhu received a two-year extension as Ambassador to the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/about/who-is-vinay-mohan-kwatra |title=Who is Vinay Mohan Kwatra? |work=Business Standard |date=5 March 2026 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/who-is-taranjit-singh-sandhu-former-us-envoy-appointed-as-new-delhi-l-g/articleshow/129127701.cms |title=Taranjit Singh Sandhu, former US envoy, appointed Lieutenant Governor of Delhi |work=The Times of India |date=6 March 2026 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref>
 
During his tenure, India signed the [[Artemis Accords]], representing a notable advancement in its engagement with international space governance and [[Mission to the Moon|lunar initiatives]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-welcomes-india-as-27th-artemis-accords-signatory/ |title=NASA Welcomes India as 27th Artemis Accords Signatory |publisher=NASA |date=23 June 2023 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref>
 
Amid the [[Russo-Ukrainian war (2022–present)|Russia-Ukraine conflict]], he oversaw India’s diplomatic stance reflecting the principles of [[Neutral country|Neutrality]] and balanced engagement with both the [[Global West|Western countries]] and [[Russia]], in coordination with [[Pavan Kapoor]], then Ambassador of India to Russia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/25/india-ukraine-russia-biden/ |title=India avoids condemning Russian invasion of Ukraine and stays aloof on Western coalition |work=The Washington Post |date=25 February 2022 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref>
 
In the aftermath of the death of [[Hardeep Singh Nijjar]] in Canada, Sandhu navigated criticisms and security concerns raised by elements of the [[Khalistani]] activist in the United States. Certain individuals, including [[Gurpatwant Singh Pannun]], who is a terrorist, mentioned in the [[NIA Most Wanted]] list, issued threats directed toward the Ambassador and Embassy personnel, which were addressed in accordance with established diplomatic protocols.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/indian-ambassador-taranjit-singh-sandhu-heckled-khalistani-supporters-new-york-gurdwara-nijjar-pannun-2467966-2023-11-27 |title=Indian ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu heckled by Khalistani supporters at New York gurdwara |work=India Today |date=27 November 2023 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-us-envoy-heckled-on-outreach-trip-to-ny-gurdwara-101701110067864.html |title=India’s US envoy ‘heckled’ on outreach trip to New York gurdwara |work=Hindustan Times |date=27 November 2023 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pro-khalistan-separatist-pannun-threat-indian-envoy-us-diplomats-security-9732342/ |title=After pro‑Khalistan separatist Pannun’s threat to Indian envoy, US affirms commitment to diplomats’ security |work=The Indian Express |date=18 December 2024 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref>
 
One of the notable achievements during his tenure was facilitating the agreement for [[Joe Biden]] to approve the participation of [[Shubhanshu Shukla]], an [[List of Indian astronauts|Indian astronaut]], in the [[Axiom Mission 4|Axiom 4 mission]] to the [[International Space Station]]. This marked the first planned visit of an Indian astronaut to the ISS, reflecting strengthened bilateral cooperation in space exploration.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/us-to-train-indian-astronauts-for-joint-space-mission-pm-modi-biden-welcome-funding-for-ai-quantum-techs/articleshow/101226668.cms |title=US to train Indian astronauts for joint space mission; PM Modi, Biden welcome funding for AI, quantum techs |work=The Times of India |date=24 June 2023 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/36711/IndiaUSA_Joint_Statement_during_the_Official_State_visit_of_Prime_Minister_Shri_Narendra_Modi_to_USA |title=India–U.S. Joint Statement during the Official State Visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the United States of America |publisher=Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India |date=23 June 2023 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/washington-dc-gives-ambassador-taranjit-singh-sandhu-a-rockstar-farewell-584856/ |title=Washington DC bids Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu a grand farewell in recognition of his diplomatic service |work=The Tribune |date=26 January 2024 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref>
 
== Political career ==
He was the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] candidate for the [[Lok Sabha]] constituency of [[Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency|Amritsar]] in the [[2024 Indian general election]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taranjit Singh Sandhu Samundri , BJP candidate bio : Assets , Total Income , Liabilities , Criminal Cases and other details. |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/candidates/LokSabha2024/taranjit-singh-sandhu-samundri-8733/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=The Hindu |language=en}}</ref>
 
===Indian Delegation to the US===
Following the [[2025 Pahalgam attack|Pahalgam terror attack]] in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], the Government of India constituted an all-party delegation to engage with international stakeholders and present India’s perspective on the incident. The delegation, led by [[Shashi Tharoor]] of the [[Indian National Congress]], included representatives from multiple parties: Bhubaneswar Kalita ([[Bharatiya Janata Party]]), Milind Murli Deora ([[Shiv Sena]]), Shashank Mani Tripathi ([[Bharatiya Janata Party]]), Ganti Harish Madhur ([[Telugu Desam Party]]), and former Ambassador of India to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu. In his capacity as a senior diplomat, Sandhu played a key role in coordinating the delegation’s engagement in the United States, facilitating high-level discussions with policymakers, articulating India’s response to the terror attack, and advocating measures to counter [[Terrorism Financing|terror financing]] and [[Pakistan and state-sponsored terrorism|Pakistan-sponsored terrorism]], consistent with international diplomatic norms.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://newsindiatimes.com/indias-all-party-delegation-pays-tribute-at-9-11-memorial-tharoor-led-delegation-calls-for-solidarity-against-terrorism/ |title=India’s all-party delegation pays tribute at 9/11 Memorial; Tharoor-led delegation calls for solidarity against terrorism |work=News India Times |date=May 2025 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref>


==Indian Ambassador to the United States==
===Lieutenant Governor of Delhi===
Sandhu presented his credentials to President [[Donald Trump]] in early February 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/india-us-will-work-together-to-combat-terrorism-jihadi-culture-ambassador-sandhu/cid/1743158|title=India, US will work together to combat terrorism, Jihadi culture: Ambassador Sandhu|date=February 7, 2020|accessdate=February 19, 2020|publisher=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ambassador-taranjit-singh-sandhu-presents-his-credentials-to-us-president-donald-trump/story-ugGE2K4Qc5yizeT4zMzEMI.html|title=Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu presents his credentials to US president Donald Trump|first=Murali|last=Krishnan|date=February 7, 2020|accessdate=February 19, 2020|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>
On the evening of 5 March 2026, he was appointed as the [[Lieutenant Governor of Delhi]]. This appointment occurred shortly before the [[2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election]], following the resignation of [[C. V. Ananda Bose]] from the Governorship of [[West Bengal]]. On the same day, the central government concurrently appointed Sandhu and [[R. N. Ravi]] to the gubernatorial offices of their respective states, reflecting a strategic administrative realignment of key constitutional positions.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/taranjit-singh-sandhu-new-lg-governor-of-delhi-national-capital-india-us-ambassador-profile-india-news/article70709979.ece |title=Taranjit Singh Sandhu appointed new LG of Delhi |work=The Hindu |date=5 March 2026 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/who-is-taranjit-singh-sandhu-former-us-envoy-appointed-as-new-delhi-l-g/articleshow/129127701.cms |title=Who is Taranjit Singh Sandhu? Former envoy appointed Delhi LG |work=The Times of India |date=6 March 2026 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/new-lg-sandhu-veteran-diplomat-indias-ambassador-to-the-us-during-trump-1-0-10566887/ |title=New LG Sandhu: Veteran diplomat, India’s Ambassador to the US during Trump 1.0 |work=The Indian Express |date=6 March 2026 |accessdate=6 March 2026}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Ambassador Sandhu is married to [[Reenat Sandhu]], who was the Ambassador of India to Italy and is now Secretary (West). They have two children. His interests include books, movies and outdoor sports.<ref>https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/extra?id=59</ref>
[[File:Ambassador Mrs. Reenat Sandhu presented her credentials to HM King Willem-Alexander in a ceremony at Noordeinde Palace, The Hague on March 30, 2022 04.jpg|Ambassador Mrs. [[Reenat Sandhu]] presented her credentials to HM [[Monarchy of the Netherlands|King]] [[Willem-Alexander]] in a ceremony at [[Noordeinde Palace]], [[The Hague]] on March 30, 2022|thumb]]
Ambassador Sandhu is married to [[Reenat Sandhu]], a retired Indian ambassador to Italy and to The Netherlands. They have two children, a son and a daughter. His interests include books, movies and outdoor sports. He speaks [[Hindi]], [[English language|English]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] and [[Russian language|Russian]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/extra?id=59|title = Welcome to Embassy of India, Washington D C, USA}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Vijay Keshav Gokhale|Vijay Gokhale]]
*[[Subrahmanyam Jaishankar]]
*[[Subrahmanyam Jaishankar|Dr. S Jaishankar]]
*[[Navtej Sarna]]
*[[Navtej Sarna]]
*[[Vinay Mohan Kwatra]]
*[[R. N. Ravi]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{commons}}


==External links==
==External links==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sandhu, Taranjit Singh}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sandhu, Taranjit Singh}}
[[Category:Indian diplomats]]
[[Category:High commissioners of India to Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:High Commissioners of India to Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of India to the United States]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of India to the United States]]
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Punjab]]
[[Category:People from Amritsar]]

Latest revision as of 13:43, 28 March 2026


The Honourable
Taranjit Singh
IFS (Retired)
Sandhu in 2023
Lieutenant Governor of Delhi
Assumed office
11 March 2026
PresidentDroupadi Murmu
Chief MinisterRekha Gupta
Preceded byVinai Kumar Saxena
28th Ambassador of India to the United States
In office
6 February 2020 – 31 January 2024
PresidentDroupadi Murmu
Ram Nath Kovind
Preceded byHarsh Vardhan Shringla
Succeeded byVinay Mohan Kwatra
High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka
In office
January 2017 – January 2020
PresidentPranab Mukherjee
Ram Nath Kovind
Preceded byYashvardhan Kumar Sinha
Succeeded byGopal Baglay
Personal details
Born (1963-01-23) 23 January 1963 (age 63)
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party
Spouse(s)Reenat Sandhu
Children2, Son & Daughter
Education
OccupationDiplomat

Taranjit Singh Sandhu (born 23 January 1963) is an Indian politician and retired diplomat of Indian Foreign Service who is serving as the 21st Lieutenant Governor of Delhi since 2026. He previously served as High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and 28th Ambassador of India to the United States.[1]

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Sandhu completed his schooling at The Lawrence School, Sanawar. He subsequently obtained a B.A. degree in History from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi. He later pursued higher studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, where he earned a M.A. degree in International Relations.[2]

Career[edit | edit source]

IFS Training & first posting in Moscow[edit | edit source]

Taranjit Singh Sandhu qualified the UPSC Civil Services Examination and joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1988. After completing the foundation course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) and professional training at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), he was posted in 1990 to the Embassy of India in Moscow, Soviet Union, as a Third Secretary (political) and later Second Secretary (commercial). During his posting, he also completed Russian language training at Moscow State University in 1992.[3]

Establishing relations with Ukraine[edit | edit source]

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, in 1992 Sandhu was tasked with helping establish the Embassy of India in Kyiv, Ukraine. He subsequently served there as the Head of the Political and Administration Wings until 1994.[4]

Officer of Special Duty in MEA, New Delhi[edit | edit source]

After returning to India, Sandhu served as Officer on Special Duty (Press Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs from December 1995 to March 1997. In this role, he was responsible for maintaining liaison with foreign media operating in India.[5]

First Secretary in Washington D.C.[edit | edit source]

In 1997, he was posted to the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., United States, where he served as First Secretary (Political) from 1997 to 2000. During this period, he was responsible for handling political affairs and maintaining liaison with the United States Congress.[5]

Head of the Political Wing, Colombo[edit | edit source]

From December 2000 to September 2004, Sandhu served at the High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he headed the Political Wing. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing political affairs and monitoring developments in India–Sri Lanka relations.[5]

United Nations, New York[edit | edit source]

In July 2005, Sandhu was posted to the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York City, United States, where he served until February 2009. During this period, he represented India in various multilateral forums and participated in discussions and negotiations on key global issues at the United Nations.[5]

Joint Secretary in MEA, New Delhi[edit | edit source]

After completing his assignment in New York, Sandhu returned to India and served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs from March 2009 to August 2011, coordinating India's UN policy, multilateral diplomacy, and engagement with global governance institutions. He later served as Joint Secretary (Administration), heading the Human Resource Division and overseeing personnel management, postings, and administrative matters for the Indian Foreign Service and ministry staff.[5]

Consul General of India in Frankfurt[edit | edit source]

Manmohan Singh being received by the Consul General of India in Frankfurt, Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu, at the Frankfurt International Airport

From September 2011 to July 2013, Sandhu served as the Consul General of India in Frankfurt, Germany. In this role, he was responsible for strengthening India’s economic, commercial, and cultural engagement with the region, specially given the fact that Frankfurt is the Financial Capital of Germany, while also overseeing consular services for the Indian community and businesses in Germany.[6]

Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington D.C.[edit | edit source]

PM Narendra Modi with the Embassy officials including then Ambassadaor of India to USA S. Jaishankar and their families at Indian Embassy in USA, at Washington DC on September 30, 2014. Sandhu is standing to the right of the Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh who is standing right to the External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj

From July 2013 to January 2017, Sandhu served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., United States. As the second-senior most diplomat at the mission, he played a key role in advancing the India–United States strategic partnership and coordinating high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries. During this period, he worked closely with senior officials in both governments and contributed to preparations for high-level visits, including Narendra Modi’s first ever visit to the United States of America and to the United Nations in 2014, during the visit the Modi meet with President Barack Obama. His tenure also involved strengthening political, economic, and strategic cooperation between India and the United States while managing the day-to-day functioning of the embassy.[7][8][9]

High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka[edit | edit source]

From January 2017 to January 2020, Sandhu served as the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka. In this role, he was responsible for strengthening bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka, including in areas of trade, security, and regional cooperation. He played a key role in fostering political dialogue between India and Sri Lanka due to the BRI initiative of the Chinese government and supporting developmental and cultural initiatives, while also overseeing the operations of the High Commission and engaging with the Indian diaspora specially Tamils in Sri Lanka.[4]

Ambassador of India to the United States[edit | edit source]

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Indian Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu holding the signed Artemis Accords

Sandhu presented his credentials to President Donald Trump in early February 2020 and served as the Ambassador of India to the United States until 31 January 2024.[10][11] In 2022, he was widely regarded as a potential candidate for the position of Foreign Secretary of India, though Vinay Mohan Kwatra ultimately assumed the role. Subsequently, Sandhu received a two-year extension as Ambassador to the United States.[12][13]

During his tenure, India signed the Artemis Accords, representing a notable advancement in its engagement with international space governance and lunar initiatives.[14]

Amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he oversaw India’s diplomatic stance reflecting the principles of Neutrality and balanced engagement with both the Western countries and Russia, in coordination with Pavan Kapoor, then Ambassador of India to Russia.[15]

In the aftermath of the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, Sandhu navigated criticisms and security concerns raised by elements of the Khalistani activist in the United States. Certain individuals, including Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is a terrorist, mentioned in the NIA Most Wanted list, issued threats directed toward the Ambassador and Embassy personnel, which were addressed in accordance with established diplomatic protocols.[16][17][18]

One of the notable achievements during his tenure was facilitating the agreement for Joe Biden to approve the participation of Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut, in the Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station. This marked the first planned visit of an Indian astronaut to the ISS, reflecting strengthened bilateral cooperation in space exploration.[19][20][21]

Political career[edit | edit source]

He was the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate for the Lok Sabha constituency of Amritsar in the 2024 Indian general election.[22]

Indian Delegation to the US[edit | edit source]

Following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India constituted an all-party delegation to engage with international stakeholders and present India’s perspective on the incident. The delegation, led by Shashi Tharoor of the Indian National Congress, included representatives from multiple parties: Bhubaneswar Kalita (Bharatiya Janata Party), Milind Murli Deora (Shiv Sena), Shashank Mani Tripathi (Bharatiya Janata Party), Ganti Harish Madhur (Telugu Desam Party), and former Ambassador of India to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu. In his capacity as a senior diplomat, Sandhu played a key role in coordinating the delegation’s engagement in the United States, facilitating high-level discussions with policymakers, articulating India’s response to the terror attack, and advocating measures to counter terror financing and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, consistent with international diplomatic norms.[23]

Lieutenant Governor of Delhi[edit | edit source]

On the evening of 5 March 2026, he was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. This appointment occurred shortly before the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, following the resignation of C. V. Ananda Bose from the Governorship of West Bengal. On the same day, the central government concurrently appointed Sandhu and R. N. Ravi to the gubernatorial offices of their respective states, reflecting a strategic administrative realignment of key constitutional positions.[24][25][26]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Ambassador Mrs. Reenat Sandhu presented her credentials to HM King Willem-Alexander in a ceremony at Noordeinde Palace, The Hague on March 30, 2022

Ambassador Sandhu is married to Reenat Sandhu, a retired Indian ambassador to Italy and to The Netherlands. They have two children, a son and a daughter. His interests include books, movies and outdoor sports. He speaks Hindi, English, Punjabi and Russian[27]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United States of America". Ministry of External Affairs. 28 January 2020.
  2. ↑ "Taranjit Singh Sandhu". Indian Embassy in USA. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  3. ↑ "Early Career of Delhi LG Sandhu in Moscow". The Economic Times. 6 March 2026. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Who is Taranjit Singh Sandhu, frontrunner for post of ambassador to US?". The Week.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "Career of Taranjit Singh Sandhu". America Times. 3 February 2020. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  6. ↑ "Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives in Frankfurt en route to India". NDTV. 1 October 2013. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  7. ↑ "Taranjit Singh Sandhu appointed India's ambassador to US". India Today.
  8. ↑ "High Commissioner of India H.E. Taranjit Singh Sandhu delivers Lalith Athulathmudali Commemoration Freedom Speech". LMD The Voice of Business. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
  9. ↑ "Welcome to Embassy of India, Washington D C, USA".
  10. ↑ "India, US will work together to combat terrorism, Jihadi culture: Ambassador Sandhu". The Telegraph (Kolkata). 7 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  11. ↑ Krishnan, Murali (7 February 2020). "Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu presents his credentials to US president Donald Trump". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  12. ↑ "Who is Vinay Mohan Kwatra?". Business Standard. 5 March 2026. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  13. ↑ "Taranjit Singh Sandhu, former US envoy, appointed Lieutenant Governor of Delhi". The Times of India. 6 March 2026. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  14. ↑ "NASA Welcomes India as 27th Artemis Accords Signatory". NASA. 23 June 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  15. ↑ "India avoids condemning Russian invasion of Ukraine and stays aloof on Western coalition". The Washington Post. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  16. ↑ "Indian ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu heckled by Khalistani supporters at New York gurdwara". India Today. 27 November 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  17. ↑ "India's US envoy 'heckled' on outreach trip to New York gurdwara". Hindustan Times. 27 November 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  18. ↑ "After pro‑Khalistan separatist Pannun's threat to Indian envoy, US affirms commitment to diplomats' security". The Indian Express. 18 December 2024. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  19. ↑ "US to train Indian astronauts for joint space mission; PM Modi, Biden welcome funding for AI, quantum techs". The Times of India. 24 June 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  20. ↑ "India–U.S. Joint Statement during the Official State Visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the United States of America". Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. 23 June 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  21. ↑ "Washington DC bids Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu a grand farewell in recognition of his diplomatic service". The Tribune. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  22. ↑ "Taranjit Singh Sandhu Samundri , BJP candidate bio : Assets , Total Income , Liabilities , Criminal Cases and other details". The Hindu. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  23. ↑ "India's all-party delegation pays tribute at 9/11 Memorial; Tharoor-led delegation calls for solidarity against terrorism". News India Times. May 2025. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  24. ↑ "Taranjit Singh Sandhu appointed new LG of Delhi". The Hindu. 5 March 2026. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  25. ↑ "Who is Taranjit Singh Sandhu? Former envoy appointed Delhi LG". The Times of India. 6 March 2026. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  26. ↑ "New LG Sandhu: Veteran diplomat, India's Ambassador to the US during Trump 1.0". The Indian Express. 6 March 2026. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  27. ↑ "Welcome to Embassy of India, Washington D C, USA".


External links[edit | edit source]

Diplomatic posts
Preceded by
Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha 		High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka
2017–2020 		Succeeded by
Gopal Baglay
Preceded by
Harsh Vardhan Shringla 		Indian Ambassador to the United States
2020 		Succeeded by
Incumbent

Template:Indian Ambassadors to the United States

Template:Ambassadors of India

External links[edit | edit source]

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