Exciting time for Indo-US relations, says new US ambassador to India Richard Verma

NEW DELHI: The new US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma, who arrived in Delhi on Friday three weeks ahead of his President’s arrival, said he was looking forward to work with India on the shared goals of security, development and prosperity as he described the times as “exciting” for the ties.

46-year-old Verma, former Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, is the first ever Indian-American to be appointed as the US envoy to India. His arrival comes ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit here later this month to attend Republic Day on January 26 as the Chief Guest.

“I am honoured to serve as US Ambassador to India at such an exciting time in our bilateral relationship. I look forward to meeting the Indian people and working together with the Indian government on our shared goals of security, development, and prosperity,” Verma said in a statement. He will continue the US Mission’s work in advancing the US-India strategic partnership, the statement said.

With a US Presidential visit in the horizon Verma’s arrival was expedited with US Senate clearing the appointment at a fast pace. Verma has replaced Nancy Powell, who resigned in March 2014 in the backdrop of a diplomatic row over the treatment meted out to diplomat Devyani Khobragade, who was arrested in 2013. Kathleen Stephens was the charge d’affaires at the US embassy since Powell left.

Verma was named Ambassador to India by Obama, days ahead of Modi’s arrival in Washington last September. He is one of the key US national security and foreign policy professionals and also a prominent attorney and a distinguished Air Force veteran. He was also a Senior National Security Fellow at the Centre for American Progress, a leading Washington, DC, think tank.