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The relationship between India and the United States is the “defining partnership” for the twenty-first century, according to former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma, who urged the Senate to confirm the next envoy to New Delhi as soon as possible.
Verma, a strong supporter of stronger Indo-US ties, was instrumental in Congressional approval of the civil nuclear agreement. He was sworn in as the United States’ Ambassador to India in 2014, making him the first Indian-American to hold the position. From 2014 to 2017, he was the United States’ Ambassador to India.
“I still think that this collaboration will be remembered for the rest of the century. In his confirmation hearing for deputy secretary of state for management and resources, Verma told senators, “The relationship is so important in so many ways, and having a senior official on the ground who represents the president makes a significant difference.
Verma was reacting to the announcement of the upcoming US Ambassador to India, a position that has been empty for more than two years.
“I hope that everyone understands the urgency of the need to send someone there as quickly as possible. I would also add that it affects the team’s morale. But more significantly, just carrying out the priorities of the president,” Verma said.
Senators Chris van Hollen and Jeanne Shaheen stressed the necessity for the Senate to swiftly approve an ambassador to serve as the United States’ representative in New Delhi.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was proposed by US President Joe Biden in July of last year to serve as his ambassador to India. The Democrats, however, have struggled to secure enough support in the Senate due to the allegation of sexual assault made by one of his top staff members.
Verma said that it is “too long” that there is currently a waiting time for visas at the American embassies in India. After the travel restrictions linked to the coronavirus were lifted, India was one of the very few countries where applications for US visas significantly increased.
Concerns about the lengthy wait times for first-time visa applicants, particularly those filing under the B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) categories, have grown in India. In October of last year, the wait time for first-time B1/B2 visa candidates in India was almost three years.
