Dr. Anji Sinha, a respected orthopaedic surgeon lacking prior diplomatic experience, found himself under scrutiny during a high-stakes U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. Nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as Ambassador to Singapore, Sinha faced pointed questions, quickly exposing gaps in his knowledge of regional affairs.
An Unsteady Start in the Spotlight
The July 2025 hearing, held in Washington, D.C., quickly became a hot topic online. Clips of the session circulated widely on social media, many highlighting Sinha's apparent struggle to answer basic questions about U.S. trade relations in Southeast Asia.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat with Southeast Asian heritage, queried him on the current U.S. trade surplus with Singapore. Sinha initially guessed 'around £61 billion' ($80 billion), then revised to 'maybe £14 billion' ($18 billion). Neither figure was close to the actual 2024 surplus of approximately £2.1 billion ($2.8 billion), as reported by The Independent and The Daily Beast.
'You need to do some homework,' Duckworth told him, a remark that quickly became newsworthy.
From Surgery to Diplomacy
Sinha, who has spent decades in the operating room and later launched various medical businesses, is a long-time Trump ally. His nomination reflects a broader trend seen during Trump's presidency—political loyalty often taking precedence over diplomatic credentials.
Supporters, including Senator Lindsey Graham, who introduced him at the hearing, argue that Sinha's experience leading global health ventures provides him with a valuable outsider's perspective. 'He's built cross-border partnerships,' Graham noted.
The State Department echoed the sentiment, describing him as 'a capable leader with strong business credentials and global insight.'
A Divided Reaction
In Singapore, the story is being followed closely. Media outlets reported the hearing in detail, with some editorialists expressing concern that an unseasoned envoy could affect decades of carefully managed bilateral relations.
'Singapore doesn't take these appointments lightly,' remarked one commentator on Channel NewsAsia. 'A shaky start in Washington reverberates here.'
Singapore plays a vital strategic role for the U.S. in Asia, particularly as Washington balances economic and military tensions with China. Therefore, the ambassadorial post is far from symbolic.
What Lies Ahead
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to issue a recommendation in the coming weeks. The full Senate will then vote on whether to confirm Sinha. If approved, he'll assume the role as Singapore prepares for its 2027 ASEAN chairmanship—a period likely to feature intense diplomatic activity. For now, the White House firmly supports the nomination, but the turbulence surrounding the hearing has underscored one clear point: this will not be a quiet appointment.
