Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma, highlighted the consistent growth in US-India relations, describing the ties as having experienced “good, steady, upward progress,” for the past 24 years.
“I often say that if U.S.-India was a stock, and you bought in 2000, you’d be in very good shape today. But seriously, you look across our categories of cooperation and we continue to break and set records. Two-way trade numbers are the highest ever,” said Verma, who previously served as US Ambassador to India. He made these remarks on December 10, 2024, during the 25th Annual Awards Gala of the U.S.-India Chamber of Commerce DFW in Dallas, Texas.
Verma emphasized India’s increased collaboration with the US in defense, noting that India conducts more military exercises with the US, more than with any other country. He also pointed out record-breaking visas issuances to Indian visitors last year and highlighted that Indian students now form the largest international student population in the US. Innovations in investments, research, and joint ventures – spanning from space to the seabed – are unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both nations.
He further elaborated on new avenues of cooperation, including the Quad, and stressed the shared commitment to defending freedom and democracy across the Indo-Pacific region. “Do we have work to do? Of course. Do we agree on everything? We don’t. Did we miss too many years of cooperation from the 60s to the 90s? We did,” he acknowledged.
Quoting President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Verma referred to the US partnership as “the defining partnership of the 21st century,” explaining, “Our two countries coming together to make the world safer, more stable, more free, more prosperous.”
He expressed gratitude to Founding Chairman of the Chamber, Padma Shri recipient, Ashok Mago, for inviting him to speak at the Gala, calling Mago “Quite a persuasive person, but really, he’s the best possible Ambassador for Dallas and the Indo-American Chamber.”
Verma recounted how Mago supported his Senate confirmation when he was nominated as the US Ambassador to India a decade ago. Even though they were not well acquainted with each other back then, Mago told Verma, “I’m going to help with your Senate confirmation, and I’m going to start calling Republican senators.” Reflecting on the experience, Verma noted the role of Mago’s “kindness and hard work” in his unanimous Senate confirmation, adding, “Without him, it would not have happened.”
Their bond grew stronger over the years. “It’s hard to find friends like that,” Verma shared, emphasizing their enduring friendship.
When asked about his support for Ambassador Verma, Mago told South Asian Herald, “It was the first time in history, an Indian-origin was nominated to be US Ambassador to India. All Indians were excited about his nomination. Since I am close to both US Senators from Texas, Ted Cruz, and John Cornyn, I reached out to them to support his nomination.”
Mago further said that Verma, during his time as Ambassador, travelled extensively across India and his tenure was marked by increased trade and closer relations between the U.S. and India. Mago described Verma as a dedicated professional who excelled in both private sector and diplomatic world due to his impressive educational background and experience.
Reflecting on his career path, Verma said his journey – from U.S. Ambassador to India to his current role as Deputy Secretary of State – was a testament to the promise of the American dream. This could happen “Only in America,” he remarked.
He also recounted a memorable encounter with the then-Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh during a 2009 State Dinner at the White House. Verma recalled standing in the receiving line when President Barack Obama introduced him to Singh saying, “Mr. Prime Minister, this is Rich Verma. He’s our Assistant Secretary of State.” PM Singh immediately looked at Verma and asked, “you’re Indian, aren’t you?”
When Richard Verma confirmed, PM Singh inquired about his father’s origins. Upon hearing that Verma’s father was from Jalandhar in Punjab, PM Singh turned to President Obama and said, “his father and I are from the same place.”
