Exclusive | India’s Former Ambassador Hits Back at Ro Khanna: ‘Don’t Drag My Name for Your Politics’

Former Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu has issued a sharp response to US Congressman Ro Khanna, asking the Indian-American lawmaker not to drag his name into political debates.

In an exclusive interaction, Sandhu said he was surprised by Khanna's remarks and stressed that diplomacy should remain independent of partisan politics.

"Don't drag my name for your politics."

The former envoy's comments came after Khanna referred to Sandhu while making observations on India-US relations, triggering a rare public response from one of India's most senior former diplomats.

Sandhu Defends Diplomatic Neutrality

Sandhu emphasised that diplomats serve the country and its interests rather than political parties or ideological positions.

He said his work as India's ambassador was guided solely by national interest and professional responsibilities, adding that attempts to invoke his name in political exchanges were inappropriate.

The former ambassador underscored the importance of maintaining the non-partisan nature of diplomacy, particularly in matters involving bilateral relations.

What Prompted the Response?

The exchange followed comments by Ro Khanna that referenced Sandhu in the context of political discussions involving India and the United States.

While Khanna has frequently spoken on issues concerning India-US ties, democracy and bilateral engagement, Sandhu's response signalled his discomfort with being drawn into a political narrative.

The remarks have attracted attention both in India and among the Indian diaspora in the United States.

India-US Relations Remain Strong

Despite the public exchange, observers note that India-US ties continue to remain on a strong footing, with cooperation expanding across defence, technology, trade, clean energy and strategic affairs.

Sandhu, who served as India's Ambassador to the US from 2020 to 2024, played a key role in advancing bilateral engagement during a period marked by deeper strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Washington.

Diplomatic experts have pointed out that former ambassadors rarely respond publicly to political references, making Sandhu's remarks particularly noteworthy.

Political Reactions

Ro Khanna, one of the most prominent Indian-American lawmakers in the US Congress, has often commented on developments relating to India and the Indian diaspora.

Sandhu's statement is likely to fuel further debate over the intersection of diplomacy and politics, particularly when former diplomats are referenced in public political discourse.

While the exchange has generated headlines, there is no indication that it will affect the broader trajectory of India-US relations, which both governments continue to describe as a comprehensive global strategic partnership.