S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India, recently concluded an 8-day visit to the United States, earning praise from top officials of President Joe Biden’s administration. During a special reception hosted by India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, in honor of Jaishankar, President Biden himself hailed Jaishankar as the “architect” of modern US-India relations. The event drew the attendance of notable figures from the Biden administration, including US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma, Neera Tanden (President Biden’s domestic policy advisor), Dr. Rahul Gupta (Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy), and Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan (Director of the National Science Foundation).
Jaishankar’s visit to the US, which took place from September 22 to September 30, included his address to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. In Washington, he held meetings with several top US officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Ambassador Katherine Tai, and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Richard Verma, a seasoned diplomat, highlighted the role of hardworking Indian Americans in fostering US-India relations, describing it as one of the most significant relationships of the century. Despite occasional disagreements and challenges, he emphasized the enduring partnership between two close friends who share common values and the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Verma praised Jaishankar as the architect of the modern US-India relationship, crediting him for the strength and progress of the partnership.
During the “Colors of Friendship” event in Washington DC, Jaishankar addressed members of the Indian community, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections in strengthening bilateral ties. He acknowledged the Indian community’s role as a bridge between the two nations and lauded their contributions to building stronger bonds.
Neera Tandon, a prominent Indian American serving as a top advisor in the White House, highlighted the significance of person-to-person and community-to-community relationships between India and the US. She noted the presence of Indian Americans in prominent positions throughout the administration, emphasizing their vital role in shaping the strong ties between the two nations.
