Who retired as India’s Ambassador to the United States in January 2024?

Correct option is D

​The correct answer is (d) Taranjit Singh Sandhu

Explanation:

Taranjit Singh Sandhu retired as India’s Ambassador to the United States in January 2024. He held this prestigious position from February 2020 to January 2024 and played a crucial role in strengthening India-U.S. relations.

Information Booster:

Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United States of America.

India-US Defence Cooperation:

1. Foundational Agreements:
• GSOMIA (2002): Facilitated sharing of sensitive military information.
• LEMOA (2016): Enabled reciprocal logistical support between the two militaries.
• COMCASA (2018): Enhanced secure communications and access to advanced technologies.
• BECA (2020): Allowed sharing of geospatial data for military operations.
2. Strategic Partnerships:
• 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue: Strengthens trust and interoperability through high-level engagements.
• Strategic Trade Authorization Tier-1 (2018): Gave India access to advanced US military technologies.
• Major Defense Partner (2016): Elevated India’s status in US strategic planning.
• DTTI (2012): Promotes co-production and co-development of defense technology.
3. Key Military Procurements:
• Acquired: MH-60R Seahawks, Sig Sauer rifles, M777 howitzers.
• In Progress: GE F-414 jet engine production, MQ-9B HALE UAV procurement.
4. Recent Developments:
• INDUS-X (2023): Boosts defense innovation and industrial collaboration.
• Defense Cooperation Roadmap (2023): Focus on ISR, Undersea Domain Awareness, and Air Combat Systems.
• I2U2 Grouping: India, Israel, US, UAE collaborate in sectors like defense, energy, and food security.

Additional Knowledge:

• Asaf Ali was India's first Ambassador to the U.S. (1947-1948) after independence.
• Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit served as the 8th President of the United Nations General Assembly from 1953 to 1954, making her the first woman and the only Indian to hold this prestigious position.