Top Biden Official Extols S Jaishankar’s Leadership

High-ranking officials from the Biden administration lauded the strong ties between India and the United States during a special reception hosted by India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, in honor of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. The event was attended by prominent figures in the Biden administration, including US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma, President Biden’s domestic policy advisor Neera Tanden, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Dr. Rahul Gupta, and Director of the National Science Foundation Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan.

Mr. Jaishankar’s visit to the US from September 22 to September 30 included addressing the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and meetings with top US officials, such as National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Ambassador Katherine Tai, and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Veteran diplomat Richard Verma highlighted the significant role played by hardworking Indian Americans in strengthening US-India relations. He emphasized that while disagreements may arise, the partnership between the two nations, founded on shared values and the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., is of utmost importance and will continue to exert a global influence.

Verma further praised EAM Jaishankar, referring to him as the architect behind the modern US-India relationship. He credited Jaishankar’s leadership for the strong position that the partnership holds today.

At the “Colors of Friendship” event in Washington DC, Mr. Jaishankar addressed the Indian community, underscoring the significance of people-to-people connections in strengthening bilateral ties. He credited the Indian American community as a bridge between the two nations.

Neera Tandon, a prominent Indian American advisor in the White House, emphasized the importance of strong person-to-person and community-to-community relationships between India and the US. She acknowledged the increasing representation of Indian Americans in prominent positions throughout the US administration and commended their contributions to both nations.

Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Indian Ambassador to the US, was praised for his advocacy of the US-India partnership. He was described as a strong ambassador for India and the partnership between the two countries.

The event also included floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, with guests reflecting on his legacy and the values of truth and Satyagraha.

US lawmakers Shri Thanedar and Rick McCormick, representing both Democrat and Republican parties, were also present at the event, underscoring the bipartisan support for the strong India-US relationship.