‘A matter of satisfaction and happiness’: Delhi local government and former envoy Taranjit Sandhu on Trump’s congratulatory letter

New Delhi: India’s former ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Saturday expressed “extreme satisfaction and happiness” after US President Donald Trump congratulated him on his appointment as Delhi ambassador lieutenant governor and praised his “unwavering commitment” to strengthening bilateral relations.ALSO READ | ‘Experienced diplomat’: Trump congratulates former envoy to US Taranjit Sandhu on appointment of Delhi LGSandhu was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in March. He served as India’s special envoy to Washington from February 2020 to March 2024. After his retirement, he represented the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2024 Lok Sabha election in the Amritsar constituency, but lost.“The relationship between the United States and India is in the national interest of both countries. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi)’s thinking is very clear and he has outlined it many times. I’m just doing my job. It is certainly a satisfying and happy thing that President Trump has acknowledged this in his position. ” the former diplomat told reporters when asked about Trump’s social truth message.“But I also want to mention that President Biden also talked about a great job. With the Prime Minister’s guidance, we were able to transform this relationship into a partnership,” he added.Trump was the US president when Sandhu was appointed India’s ambassador to Washington, but he lost the November 2020 election to Joe Biden. The Republican returned to the White House in November 2024, defeating then-Vice President Kamala Harris after Biden decided not to seek re-election.Trump posted on Truth Social on Friday: “Congratulations to Taranjit Sandhu on becoming Delhi’s new lieutenant governor! As a seasoned diplomat and former ambassador to the United States, he has always demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening U.S.-India relations. I wish him success in leading Delhi’s progress and further developing relations around the world!”Sandhu’s successor in Washington is current envoy Vinay Mohan Kwatra. In Delhi, he replaced Vinay Kumar Saxena who was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.