WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has written a personal letter to Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s former Ambassador to the United States, expressing sympathy over the recent death of Sandhu’s brother, Jasjit Singh Samundri.
In the letter dated October 17, Trump wrote, “Dear Ambassador Sandhu, I was saddened to learn of the loss of your beloved brother, Jasjit Singh Samundri. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family. Like you, your brother was a respected Indian public servant. He will be remembered for his public service, deep faith, and immense love of family.”
Trump also reflected on Sandhu’s role in strengthening U.S.-India relations during his tenure as ambassador, recalling their meeting in the Oval Office in February 2020. “I warmly recall receiving you in the Oval Office on February 6, 2020, and your tireless efforts to ensure the success of my state visit to India. I pray that the memories you and your brother shared provide enduring comfort and peace. May God bless you and your family,” the letter said.
Sandhu, a veteran diplomat with nearly four decades of service, served as India’s ambassador in Washington from 2020 to 2024. He shared the letter publicly on X, writing, “Thank you, President Trump @POTUS, for your condolences. My family and I are deeply honoured and touched by your kind and thoughtful gesture.”
Samundri, a former senior Indian civil servant, passed away on September 30 after a prolonged illness.
The letter came shortly after Trump hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House, where he lit a traditional diya and extended greetings to the Indian community. Calling Diwali “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness,” Trump said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great person, and I love the people of India.”
The event was attended by current Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, U.S. Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, along with prominent Indian-American business leaders.
Bilateral relations between Washington and New Delhi have recently steadied, with trade negotiations underway as both sides seek to finalize the first phase of a new trade agreement. (Source: IANS)
