New Delhi [India]: India’s relationship with the United States is set to deepen further, says former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, emphasizing that India has a unique opportunity to position itself as a reliable partner in global supply chains.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Sandhu, who now serves as a BJP leader, shared optimism about the India-US strategic and economic partnership, despite recent tariff challenges.
“There is certainly an interest for investing in India, but it’s a competitive world. It’s a difficult phase for world economy and that’s where I feel that India gets a great opportunity this time to actually be a reliable partner, a reliable partner in the supply chain and the future of trade…If you look at the figures right now, here is an overall bend as far as economic aspects are concerned, but relatively India still has growth figures which are pretty high. So that’s where the confidence comes. I think the United States-India relationship will be fine, it will only deepen,” he said.
His remarks come as US Vice President JD Vance embarks on his first official visit to India, just as President Donald Trump’s second term begins. The high-level engagement underscores the ongoing importance of bilateral relations amid ongoing trade negotiations.
The US recently imposed reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, including India, while also introducing temporary relief—reducing new tariff rates to 10% for 90 days to allow for negotiations to proceed.
Commenting on these developments, Sandhu said:
“Any relationship in the world, including our own domestic relations at home, is complicated. The complications were there earlier, too. My take is that these challenges must be converted into opportunities, and this issue is also similar in kind. Though it has become huge, it is a worldwide phenomenon, it is a new technique, but this doesn’t mean that India-US relations will be pushed under the carpet. All this will flow together.”
Serving as Ambassador from 2020 to 2024, Sandhu witnessed India-US ties through both the Trump and Biden administrations. He believes that while trade is a significant element, it is only one part of a much broader relationship.
“I worked with President Trump in his first administration – India relations have many dimensions and trade is one part of it. Trade will also get sorted out. Be a bit patient, see this relationship, in the coming days you will see its contours emerging,” he said.
Sandhu also highlighted the cultural aspect of VP Vance’s visit, noting the personal significance attached to the trip.
“His presence here right in the beginning of second Trump administration, I think, holds its own significance. Also it is cultural visit to the country where he is closely invested with his family,” he added.
Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, their children, and senior members of the US administration, arrived in New Delhi on Monday morning. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening and is on a four-day official visit, which also includes stops in Jaipur and Agra, before returning to Washington, DC.