Former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Wednesday took oath as the 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Delhi at a ceremony held at Lok Niwas, succeeding Vinai Kumar Saxena. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. The event was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, senior officials, and other dignitaries.

Sandhu, a 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, brings decades of diplomatic experience, particularly in India’s engagement with the United States. He served as India’s Ambassador to the United States from February 2020 to January 2024, a period marked by deepening strategic and economic ties between the two countries. During his tenure in Washington, he played a key role in strengthening bilateral cooperation across defence, technology, and trade.

Prior to his ambassadorship, Sandhu held several important diplomatic assignments, including multiple postings at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., making him one of India’s most experienced diplomats on US affairs. He also served at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York City from July 2005 to February 2009, focusing on multilateral diplomacy and global policy issues.

Also Read: From Washington To Raj Niwas: Taranjit Singh Sandhu Becomes Delhi’s New Lieutenant Governor

Known for his expertise in foreign policy and international relations, the 63-year-old diplomat has been instrumental in shaping India’s outreach during critical phases of global engagement. His tenure in key diplomatic roles has earned him recognition for fostering strategic partnerships and international cooperation.

Sandhu succeeds Vinai Kumar Saxena, who has been appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. His appointment comes at a time when Delhi continues to face complex administrative and governance challenges that require effective coordination between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor’s office.

With his extensive administrative and diplomatic experience, Sandhu is expected to play a pivotal role in the governance and development of the national Capital, leveraging his international expertise to navigate the city’s evolving policy and administrative landscape.

Also Read: From Washington To Raj Niwas: Taranjit Singh Sandhu Becomes Delhi’s New Lieutenant Governor