Indian-American Diplomat Uzra Zeya Appointed US Special Coordinator to Tibet

Uzra Zeya is a veteran US foreign service official whose parents immigrated to the US from the Indian state of Bihar.

FREMONT, CA: Indian-American diplomat Uzra Zeya was recently nominated by the Biden Administration as the Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues. This comes during a time when there already is tension between Washington DC and Beijing.

Uzra Zeya is currently the Under Secretary for Civilian Security and Human Rights at the State Department. She was named the new Special Coordinator for Tibet by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Uzra Zeya’s news responsibilities will include:

•  Promotion of substantive dialogue between Dalai Lama and China, without preconditions.

•  Promotion of dialogue between democratically elected Tibetan leader and China, without any preconditions.

•  Promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms and Tibetians, including freedom of religion and belief.

•  Efforts to preserve Tibet’s distinct historical, cultural, religious, and linguistic heritage.

•  Promotion of environment protection and sustainability activities

•  Oversea efforts for sustainable management of water and natural resources

Uzra Zeya is a veteran US foreign service official whose parents immigrated to the US from the Indian state of Bihar. Although the office of a Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues is mandated by the Tibetan Policy Act 2002, Zeya’s role appears to be specially entrusted with an expansive role, made specifically amidst the tensions between the countries.

According to President Joe Biden, Uzra Zeya will support the US efforts to address the humanitarian challenges of Tibetan refugees and diaspora communities who are facing threats and intimidations by the People's Republic of China, including those who are currently living in the USA. This was an unprecedented direct charge President Biden took against Beijing.