Taranjit Singh Sandhu: Delhi's New Lieutenant Governor Takes Office

Taranjit Singh Sandhu was sworn in as the 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, succeeding Vinai Kumar Saxena. An experienced diplomat, Sandhu previously served as India's ambassador to the U.S. and in the UN. He also ran for the Lok Sabha from Amritsar as a BJP candidate.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu officially assumed his role as the 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Delhi at a ceremony in Lok Niwas on Wednesday. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other notable attendees.

Sandhu replaces Vinai Kumar Saxena, who is now the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. Bringing a wealth of diplomatic experience, Sandhu has been an influential figure in international relations, particularly noted for his tenure as India's ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2024.

Before his appointment in Delhi, the former diplomat was part of India's Permanent Mission to the UN and ran for a Lok Sabha seat in 2024 on a BJP ticket from Amritsar, though he did not win. At 63, Sandhu's career highlights his substantial expertise in foreign service, notably with the U.S. and international organizations.

(With inputs from agencies.)