Biden administration officials have praised India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as the architect of modern US-India relations during a reception held in Washington DC. The event, hosted by India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, was attended by several prominent figures from the Biden administration.
Top officials, 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, commended Jaishankar for his commitment to strengthening the bond between the two countries.
Richard Verma, a veteran diplomat, emphasized the role of hard-working Indian Americans in building US-India ties. He described the relationship as one of the most consequential partnerships of this century, acknowledging that there may be disagreements and bumps along the way. However, he highlighted the shared values and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. as the foundation for a partnership that will continue to exert influence globally.
Verma also credited Jaishankar as the architect behind the modern US-India relationship, crediting his leadership for the current strong position of the partnership.
During the Colors of Friendship event, Jaishankar addressed members of the Indian diaspora, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections in building stronger bilateral ties. He recognized the Indian diaspora as a bridge between the two nations and praised the Indian Americans who hold prominent positions throughout the Biden administration.
Neera Tanden, a prominent Indian American in the White House, stressed the significance of a strong person-to-person and community-to-community relationship between India and the US. She commended the strength of the Indian American community’s participation and contribution, noting that they play a crucial role in building the US-India relationship.
The event also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, with several remarks made about his legacy. Dr. Rahul Gupta underscored the importance of reflecting upon Gandhi’s core values of truth and non-violence, highlighting the potential for the Indian diaspora to further spread his message.
US lawmakers Shri Thanedar and Rick McCormik, from the Democratic and Republican parties respectively, were also present at the event.
The reception showcased the deepening ties between India and the US, with Biden administration officials recognizing the instrumental role played by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in shaping the modern US-India relationship. The event highlighted the significance of people-to-people connections and celebrated the contributions of the Indian American community in strengthening bilateral ties.
