“Rich (Verma) is an inspired choice to be President Obama’s next ambassador to India. He knows, like the President knows, that our two nations are destined to be great partners,” ex-Deputy Secretary of Defence Ash Carter told PTI.

“But he also knows that destiny can and must be hastened by the hard work of gifted people like him on both sides. At a key moment in the (India-US) relationship, Rich Verma’s proven skill and dedication are just what is needed,” said Carter.

Carter as the Deputy Secretary of Defence was instrumental in the path breaking Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI), resulting in the two governments deciding on co-production and co-development of hi-tech military hardware.

“She (Hillary Clinton) is thrilled that he (Verma) has been nominated to be our next Ambassador to India,” said Nick Merrill, spokesperson of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“The American and Indian people are fortunate to have such a skilled diplomat working to further deepen the partnership between our two countries,” Merrill said.

“Rich was an indispensable colleague of Secretary Clinton’s and of the entire Department of State,” he said.

Verma was the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs at the US Department of State until March 2011.

“He has a deep understanding of foreign policy, a rich respect for the culture and history of countries, the trust of America’s highest leaders in both the Executive and Congressional Branches, and he knows how to get things done,” Merrill said.

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