Former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu took oath as Lieutenant Governor of Delhi on Wednesday and called for a “solutions-oriented approach” across political lines to address the challenges faced by the national capital in his inaugural address.
Sandhu was sworn in at Lok Niwas by Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta accompanied him on the podium, while other ministers, in addition to Union ministers, attended the occasion.
Addressing the media after the ceremony, Sandhu said that Delhi has been associated with his professional life for a long time and stressed the need for cooperation among all stakeholders. “Delhi has many stakeholders and Delhi has been my ‘karmabhoomi’ (workplace). I have studied and worked here. We will work together for the development of Delhi,” he said.
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Referring to the broader national vision, he said: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a vision for India and Delhi is the capital. It is the responsibility of the elected government and all stakeholders. The challenges will continue to increase. It is our responsibility to turn challenges into opportunities. Everyone, regardless of party, must work together to find solutions to various problems.”
Earlier in the day, Sandhu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed issues related to governance and public service.
Welcoming the new governor, Prime Minister Rekha Gupta said that the Delhi government looks forward to working under his guidance. “I welcome the honorable Mr. LG. With his presence, Delhi’s development growth rate will increase,” Gupta said.
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Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were also present at the event. “I attended Sandhu Taranjit’s swearing-in as Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Congratulated him on his new responsibility. Confident that he will serve the people of Delhi with utmost commitment,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta also congratulated Sandhu on assuming office and highlighted his diplomatic background. According to a statement issued by the association secretariat, Gupta said Sandhu’s experience will contribute to governance in the national capital.
“The new LG government’s vast diplomatic experience and unwavering commitment to public service will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the governance and development of the national capital,” he said, extending his best wishes for a successful tenure.
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Sandhu, a 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, is considered one of the most experienced Indian diplomats in US affairs. He served several times in the Indian Mission in Washington, D.C., and was India’s Ambassador to the United States from February 2020 to January 2024.
During his diplomatic career, he also served at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations from July 2005 to February 2009. The 63-year-old diplomat later entered electoral politics and contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar in Punjab on a BJP ticket.
His appointment comes within the framework of a broader administrative reshuffle of governors and deputy governors across the country.
