Key Points

"There is certainly an interest for investing in India, but it's a competitive world. It's a difficult phase for world economy and that's where I feel that India gets a great opportunity this time to actually be a reliable partner, a reliable partner in the supply chain and the future of trade...If you look at the figures right now, here is an overall bend as far as economic aspects are concerned, but relatively India still has growth figures which are pretty high. So that's where the confidence comes. I think the United States-India relationship will be fine, it will only deepen," Taranjit Singh Sandhu told ANI in an interview.

The former envoy, who is a BJP leader, said that US Vice President JD Vance visiting India in almost the beginning of the second term of President Donald Trump holds its own significance.

The high-level visit comes amid trade negotiations between the two countries following US decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on several countries including India.

The US has reduced new tariff rates on most of its trade partners to 10 per cent for 90 days to allow trade negotiations.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu said challenges should be converted to opportunities. He said tariffs by Trump administration is a worldwide phenomenon and it does not mean that the strategic relationship between the two countries will be pushed under the carpet.

"Any relationship in the world, including our own domestic relations at home, is complicated. The complications were there earlier, too. My take is that these challenges must be converted into opportunities, and this issue is also similar in kind. Though it has become huge, it is a worldwide phenomenon, it is a new technique, but this doesn't mean that India-US relations will be pushed under the carpet. All this will flow together," he said, answering a query on tariffs.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu served as India's Ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2024, with his tenure spanning both the Trump and Biden presidencies.

He said India-US ties have many dimensions, and trade is a part of it.

"I worked with President Trump in his first administration -India relations have many dimensions and trade is one part of it. Trade will also get sorted out. Be a bit patient, see this relationship, in the coming days you will see its contours emerging," he said, when asked about expectations about the future.

Sandhu also touched on the cultural aspects of JD Vance's visit

"His presence here right in the beginning of second Trump administration, I think, holds its own significance. Also it is cultural visit to the country where he is closely invested with his family," he said.

Vance, who arrived in the national capital on Monday morning, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening.

Vance is on a four-day official visit to India. He is accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, their children, and senior members of the US Administration.

This is Vice President Vance's first visit to India. He will also visit Jaipur and Agra before departing for Washington DC.

- ANI