US President Donald Trump sent a heartfelt condolence letter to Former Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu over the death of his brother Jasjit Singh Samundri, praising Sandhu’s service and recalling their close diplomatic ties during Trump’s 2020 India visit.
US President Donald Trump has written a deeply personal letter to former Indian Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, expressing his condolences over the death of Sandhu’s elder brother, Jasjit Singh Samundri, a respected former Indian civil servant.
The letter, dated October 17, was filled with warmth and respect, highlighting the shared diplomatic history and mutual admiration between Trump and Sandhu. Trump’s note read:
“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.”
The letter also reflected on the strong professional rapport between the two diplomats during Trump’s presidency. He fondly recalled Sandhu’s instrumental role in organizing the February 2020 state visit to India, which marked a major milestone in Indo-US relations.
“As I write, 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,” Trump added.
Sandhu’s Acknowledgment and Legacy
Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, a veteran diplomat with nearly four decades of service, served as India’s Ambassador to the US from 2020 to 2024. Known for his pragmatic diplomacy and steady leadership, Sandhu played a pivotal role in strengthening India-US relations during challenging global circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving geopolitical shifts.
Responding to Trump’s gesture, Sandhu shared the letter on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude for the former president’s compassion.
“Thank you, President Trump @POTUS, for your condolences. My family and I are deeply honoured and touched by your kind and thoughtful gesture,” Sandhu posted.
Sandhu’s elder brother, Jasjit Singh Samundri, passed away on September 30 after a prolonged illness. A former senior civil servant, Samundri was known for his integrity, devotion to public service, and humility—traits that earned him respect across political and administrative circles.
Reactions from the Diplomatic and Academic Circles
The letter has drawn appreciation from observers in the US and India. Christopher Clary, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University at Albany, commended the Trump administration’s thoughtful outreach.
“Kudos to whoever at State, AmEmb New Delhi, or the NSC who proposed and drafted this. Tip of the hat,” Clary wrote, highlighting the diplomatic value of such gestures in maintaining interpersonal goodwill.
A Symbolic Gesture Amid Renewed India-US Engagement
The condolence letter came a day after Donald Trump hosted a special Diwali event at the White House, signaling his continuing engagement with the Indian-American community and Indo-US relations.
During the event, Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a great person”, adding that he “loves the people of India.” The celebration saw participation from several high-profile figures, including current Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Prominent business leaders from the Indian diaspora also attended the ceremony.
Lighting a diya in the Oval Office, Trump described it as “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness” and extended his “warmest wishes to the people of India.”
This event, coupled with his personal note to Sandhu, reflects Trump’s effort to reaffirm his goodwill towards India amid ongoing diplomatic recalibrations.
Context: Renewed Bilateral Warmth
Diplomatic observers note that India-US relations have recently entered a phase of stabilisation after months of friction over trade, defense, and visa policies. Negotiations for the first tranche of a trade agreement are currently underway, aiming to strengthen economic cooperation between the two democracies.
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Trump’s gesture towards Sandhu, therefore, is seen as a reminder of the enduring personal bonds that underpin the official ties between Washington and New Delhi. Such gestures of empathy and mutual respect have often helped keep the spirit of the India-US strategic partnership alive, even amid policy differences.
As both nations move forward in redefining their diplomatic and trade engagements, this letter stands as a symbol of personal diplomacy transcending politics—a testament to shared values of respect, remembrance, and friendship between two great democracies.
