WASHINGTON: U.S. President Barack Obama nominated Indian-American, Richard Rahul Verma, as the next U.S. Ambassador to India, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington later this month.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Verma, who earlier served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs and is now in the private sector, will become the first Indian-American to serve as the top U.S. diplomat in New Delhi.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has not had a full-time ambassador since May after Nancy Powell resigned in March following a tumultuous tenure, and has since then been headed by Charge d'affaires Kathleen Stephens. The extended vacancy has raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles, with some questioning the U.S.' -- and Obama's -- commitment to an enduring relationship with India in light of leaving such a high-profile position unfilled for so long.

Obama announced his nomination along with several other key administration appointments. "I am grateful that these impressive individuals have chosen to dedicate their talents to serving the American people at this important time for our country. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead," Obama said in a statement.

Verma, 45, said to be a close confidant of the President, as well as of former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, and currently serves as Senior Counselor at Steptoe & Johnson LLP and Albright Stonebridge Group. He is also a Senior National Security Fellow at the Center for American Progress.
Source: PTI