Richard Verma served because the US Ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017 (Representational)

Washington:

The connection between India and the US is the “defining partnership” for the twenty first century, America’s former Ambassador to the nation Richard Verma has informed lawmakers and urged the Senate to verify the following envoy to New Delhi on the earliest.

A robust advocate of deepening Indo-US ties, Verma performed a key function within the Congressional passage of the civil nuclear deal. He was sworn in because the US Ambassador to India in 2014, turning into the primary ever Indian-American to carry the put up. He served because the US Ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017.

“I proceed to imagine that is the defining partnership for this century. The connection is so consequential in so some ways, and having a senior official on the bottom that represents the president makes an enormous distinction,” Verma informed members of the Senate International Relations Committee throughout his affirmation listening to for Deputy Secretary of State for Administration and Assets.

Verma was responding to a affirmation of the following US Ambassador to India, a put up that has been laying vacant for greater than two years now.

“I feel everybody hopefully appreciates the urgency with the necessity to put somebody there as quickly as attainable. It is also, I’d say, a morale subject for the workforce. However extra importantly, simply delivering on the president’s priorities,” Verma stated.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris van Hollen underscored the significance for the Senate to verify an envoy instantly to characterize the US in New Delhi.

In July final 12 months, US President Joe Biden nominated Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as his Ambassador to India. However due to the allegation of sexual assault by considered one of his senior staffers, the Democrats have been unable to muster sufficient assist within the Senate.

Responding to a query on the present visa ready interval on the American diplomatic missions in India, Verma famous that that is “too lengthy.” India was one of many only a few nations the place functions for US visas noticed a significant upswing after coronavirus-related journey restrictions had been lifted.

There have been rising issues in India over the lengthy ready interval for first time visa candidates, particularly for these making use of beneath B1 (enterprise) and B2 (vacationer) classes. The ready interval of first time B1/B2 visa candidates in India was shut to a few years in October final 12 months. 

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