India’s former Foreign Secretary, Vinay Kwatra, has arrived in Washington DC, to assume his new role as the Indian Ambassador to the United States. He is expected to present his credentials to President Joe Biden and take charge soon at the Embassy of India.
“Delighted to welcome Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra as the new Ambassador of India to the United States of America,” said Deputy Chief of Mission, Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, with enthusiasm, adding that Indian missions in the United States are “excited to work under his leadership.”
Ambassador Kwatra visited Washington DC in April for “extensive consultations,” on bilateral cooperation and the Quad alliance according to Ambassador Ranganathan who has been serving as the Charge d’Affaires (CDA) at the Embassy of India since the retirement of the former Indian Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu’s in January this year.
Welcoming Ambassador Kwatra to the Embassy and to the United States, Ambassador Ranganathan in a video message reflected on important developments in the US-India bilateral relationship over the past six months of her tenure.
She highlighted that President Biden was among the first world leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his historic third term in office in June. Additionally, President Biden and PM Modi met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy.
Also, India’s Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken met in Japan to affirm their “shared commitment to regional peace, security and prosperity,” she added.
Bilateral trade surged beyond $200 billion in the first five months of 2024, emphasized Ambassador Ranganathan adding the Embassy worked with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Confederation of Indian Industry, National Association of Software and Service Companies, as well as US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, and US-India Business Council and explored new opportunities for Indian exporters and investors.
Ambassador Ranganathan stressed that prioritizing the welfare of Indian students in the United States is among India’s “topmost priorities.”
“I have visited several universities and interacted with our students. We are pursuing new initiatives to connect more Indian and US Universities, encourage student exchange programs and forge skilling partnerships, including in cutting edge areas such as semiconductors,” she added. “A program has started to this end in Purdue University, where the first cohort of Indian students has recently attended semiconductor skilling programs.”
She continued, “Engaging the Indian diaspora is one of the most satisfying parts of a diplomat’s job,” noting that in the past six months the Embassy has organized more than 20 cultural events to strengthen connections with the keep the diaspora. Additionally, in its consular services, the Embassy has implemented several innovations to enhance accessibility for the community.
