Washington: The Indian diaspora in this country has lauded US President Joe Biden's nomination of Indian-American lawyer and diplomat Richard Verma to a high diplomatic position in the State Department as a "inspired decision." Verma is also a former US ambassador to India.
In a statement released by the White House on Friday, it was said that Joe Biden has declared his intention to recommend Richard Verma, 54, for the position of Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. Richard Verma would be the highest-ranking Indian-American in the State Department if he were approved by the US Senate.
Richard Verma, who is currently Mastercard's Chief Legal Officer and Head of Global Public Policy, served as the United States' Ambassador to India from January 16, 2015, until January 20, 2017.
Richard Verma also held the position of Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs throughout the Obama administration.
Richard Verma served as Harry Reid's national security advisor earlier in his career while he was the Democratic Whip, Minority Leader, and then Majority Leader of the US Senate.
He has held positions as Senior Counselor at the Albright Stonebridge Group, Partner and Senior Counselor at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, and Vice Chairman of The Asia Group. He served as a Judge Advocate while on active service in the United States Air Force.
The Indian diaspora in this country applauded Joe Biden for his "inspired choice" in nominating Richard Verma for the top diplomatic position.
Leading diaspora organization 'Indiaspora' said in a statement that President Biden and Secretary Antony Blinken had made an excellent choice in appointing Verma to this extremely prominent State Department position.
Due to his extensive high-level experience in both the executive and legislative branches of government, his diplomatic perspective as the 25th US Ambassador to India, where he oversees one of the largest US Missions in the world with four consulates throughout India and nearly every US government agency, and his international private sector leadership background as a partner at the global law firm of Steptoe & Johnson LLP and as Senior Counselor to the
In a separate statement, Ronak D. Desai, a well-known lawyer, a leader in the practice of India at Paul Hastings LLP, and a specialist at the Lakshmi Mittal South Asia Institute at Harvard University, said that Richard Verma is "uniquely well-qualified" to be the second in command at the State Department.
He stated that the man's "breadth and depth of knowledge and vision will make him a formidable leader in safeguarding and advancing American interests and values around the world."
He claimed that Richard Verma is the best candidate because to his lengthy history of committed public service, principled leadership on international problems, and intense loyalty to the United States. The President could not have chosen a finer candidate, according to Mr. Desai.
"His whole career in public service has been filled with firsts. His most recent nomination, to head the State Department's operations, would make him the highest-ranking Indian American in the US government if confirmed. He sets an example for others "said Mr. Desai.
"Hopefully, Verma's nomination today signals the comeback of one of America's most gifted, dedicated, and successful public servants. When he joins their ranks, the nation is safer and stronger "added Mr. Desai.