Singh will soon take over as India’s ambassador to the US.
AB Wire
WASHINGTON, DC: Ron Somers, the former President of the US India Business Council, and the founder of India First Group, an international strategic advisory firm, based in Washington, DC, has praised Ambassador Arun K. Singh, who will soon take office as India’s ambassador to the United States.
Somers, in a statement to The American Bazaar, termed Singh, who has previously worked in the Indian Embassy in Washington, and at present India’s ambassador to France, as “an exceptionally gifted lightning rod.”
Here’s the full text of Somers’ statement, when queried on his reaction to Singh chosen to replace Ambassador S. Jaishankar, who is now India’s Foreign Secretary.
“Arun K. Singh in his previous role at the Indian Embassy in Washington proved to be an exceptionally gifted lightning rod, someone who could keep his cool and maintain the U.S.-India relationship, keeping it always on a constructive track.
“The big news affecting U.S.-India ties at the time when Ambassador Singh was last in Washington was nothing short of explosive.
“A month after Arun K. Singh’s arrival to the Indian Embassy in DC, the terrorist attack on Mumbai took place, including on the Jewish Nariman House in Mumbai, where Israelis were assassinated.
“‘Solidarity’ was the key word and sentiment underpinning the U.S.-India relationship at that time. The business news of that moment was the global economic crisis.
“Throughout both crises, Ambassador Singh always kept his door open to business. He understood the importance of keeping the U.S and the Indian economies strong. In this capacity, Arun K. Singh excelled in Washington, skillfully aligning U.S.-India interests.
“During Ambassador Singh’s earlier tenure in Washington, U.S.-India defense cooperation lifted off, rising from virtually zero to $10 billion during this five year period.
“As an American with a keen interest in seeing the U.S.-India partnership flourish, I warmly welcome Ambassador Arun K. Singh back to Washington.
“Jai Hind! and God Bless America!”