Former US Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu Joins USISPF as Advisor and Geopolitical Institute Chair
Babushai Bureau
Washington (US), July 18, 2025 – Taranjit Singh Sandhu, a distinguished Indian diplomat and former Ambassador to the United States, has been appointed Advisor to the Board of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).He will chair its newly established Geopolitical Institute.
Sandhu, who retired from the Indian Foreign Service in February 2024 after a 35-year career, is poised to guide the Forum’s strategic initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the Quad partnership, and the I2U2 grouping (India, Israel, United States, and UAE).
Sandhu's Diplomatic Career
Born in 1963, Sandhu, an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1988 batch, holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
His illustrious career spans key postings, including High Commissioner to Sri Lanka (2017–2020), Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, D.C. (2013–2016), and roles in Germany, Ukraine, and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
As Ambassador to the U.S. from 2020 to 2024, Sandhu was instrumental in elevating bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, navigating high-profile engagements such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the U.S. in June 2023, President Joe Biden’s attendance at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, and President Donald Trump’s visit to India in February 2020. Renowned for his engagement with Capitol Hill, the Indian diaspora, and corporate leaders, Sandhu strengthened defense, technology, and cultural ties between the two nations.
New Role at USISPF
In his new capacity, Sandhu will leverage his expertise to advance USISPF’s mission of fostering U.S.-India collaboration across trade, defense, technology, and public health.
His leadership at the Geopolitical Institute will focus on deepening cooperation in the Quad framework, promoting the IMEC corridor for enhanced regional connectivity, and supporting the I2U2 initiative, which he helped shape during his ambassadorial tenure.
Sandhu’s appointment reflects his deep understanding of the U.S.-India partnership, which he described as “underpinned by shared values and interests.”
“I am honored to join USISPF as Chairman of its Geopolitical Institute,” Sandhu stated. “In an increasingly complex global landscape, I am committed to furthering this vital partnership and contributing to its strategic growth.”
Praise from USISPF Leadership
Dr. Mukesh Aghi, USISPF President and CEO, hailed Sandhu as “a master architect of U.S.-India relations.”
He noted, “Ambassador Sandhu’s unparalleled expertise in diplomacy, defense, and technology, combined with his ability to foster people-to-people connections, makes him an invaluable asset. This partnership is the cornerstone of 21st-century geopolitics, and his leadership will drive it forward.”
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Sandhu’s role at USISPF, a non-profit representing global firms with a combined market valuation exceeding $10 trillion, Sandhu will champion public-private collaboration in sectors like energy, digital innovation, and infrastructure.