Revolutionary changes are taking place in the India-US relationship, the outgoing Indian Ambassador in Washington DC, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, has said. He has stressed that the bilateral ties have only covered “the tip of the iceberg” and are going to be much deeper.
Addressing a gathering of Indian Americans at the Republic Day 2024 celebrations in Washington DC, Sandhu said that it was important that their second generation remained connected to India.
“I only wanted to tell you that today revolutionary changes are taking place in India, also in US-India relations,” said the ambassador. “And therefore, it is important that your children and your families are aware of India, stay connected with India.”
As international capital and multinational companies moved into India, all young Indian Americans would be uniquely placed to get most of those job opportunities, he pointed out.
“Therefore, not only for emotional, cultural, and so many other reasons, but also for economic and commercial reasons, pay attention, stay connected with India,” said the envoy, who is retiring from the foreign service after more than 35 years.
The 2024 Republic Day event in McLean, Virginia, was organised by the National Council of Asian Indian Associations. The outgoing ambassador was also felicitated by the community leaders for his role in strengthening the India-US relationship.
Speaking at another farewell reception, organised by the Indian American Business Impact Group, the outgoing diplomat said that the India-US relationship was set to become much closer. “The fact is, we have only covered the tip of the iceberg. In all these sectors, this relationship is going to go far and wide,” he said.
“We are already hearing about AI, the different dimensions of AI (Artificial Intelligence). India is going to play a very, very important and critical role. Look at any of the International Monetary Fund or World Bank projections, the recovery of the world economy, India will be playing a very critical role,” he said.
Sandhu reiterated that for the career prospects, jobs and growth of their offspring, Indian Americans should remain connected to India.