US Ambassador Anjani Sinha begins tenure in Singapore, pledges deeper cooperation

The United States’ new ambassador to Singapore, Dr Anjani K Sinha, arrived in the Republic on 6 November 2025, marking the start of his official duties, the US Embassy Singapore announced on Thursday.

Dr Sinha said he was "deeply honoured" to represent the United States in Singapore, describing the nation as "a leading hub for American business and a pillar of regional stability."

He added that he looked forward to working with Singapore’s government and people “to deepen collaboration” across key strategic areas.

According to Dr Sinha, President Donald Trump has tasked him with “increasing ambitions for cooperation” based on “mutual respect and shared priorities.”

He highlighted technology, energy, and security as principal domains for bilateral engagement during his tenure.

The US Embassy said Dr Sinha’s appointment reflects Washington’s long-standing commitment to strengthening ties with Singapore, emphasising that “for nearly 60 years, the partnership between the United States and Singapore has brought tangible benefits to both nations.”

These include cooperation in areas such as emerging technology, energy security, law enforcement, and military exchanges, it added.

Dr Sinha, a former orthopaedic surgeon, was confirmed by the US Senate in October.

Before entering diplomacy, he led medical practices in New York and Florida and served as a senior surgical consultant.

In a statement, Dr Sinha said his medical background shapes his diplomatic philosophy.

“As a physician, I have spent my career connecting with people and delivering results. I look forward to applying that same spirit of collaboration to deepen the ties between our two countries,” he said.

He is accompanied in Singapore by his wife, retired anesthesiologist Kiki Sinha, with whom he has been married for 48 years.

The couple have two children and three grandchildren.

Tough Senate grilling in July 2025

Dr Sinha’s confirmation process in Washington attracted media attention after a July hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

During that session, Senator Tammy Duckworth questioned his qualifications and understanding of Singapore’s role in regional affairs.

Senator Duckworth cautioned that the ambassador’s position “is not something to pick up on a whim, or because you think it will be glamorous, or because Singapore is a great place to live.”

She also expressed concern that Dr Sinha’s limited diplomatic background could inadvertently cause friction in bilateral relations.

When asked by Senator Duckworth about the size of the US trade surplus with Singapore in 2024, Dr Sinha initially replied “US$80 billion,” later amending his estimate to “US$18 billion.”

The senator corrected the figure to US$2.8 billion, noting that he was “off by a huge factor.”

Despite the controversy, Dr Sinha emphasised his gratitude to President Trump for the nomination and to Secretary Rubio for their confidence in his appointment.

He described Singapore as a “key strategic partner and friend” and underscored the importance of cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.

According to his official biography, Dr Sinha obtained his medical degree and a Master’s in orthopaedic surgery from MGM Medical School and Delhi University in India.

Over several decades, he established multiple orthopaedic practices and contributed to advancing healthcare collaboration across medical, legal, and business sectors.

Dr Sinha and his wife also engage in philanthropy, supporting educational and medical institutions in New Hampshire, New York, and India.