Exclusive! New US envoy speaks to Rediff.com

Richard Rahul Verma, the new US Ambassador to India, speaks exclusively to Aziz Haniffa/Rediff.com



Richard Rahul Verma, the first Indian-American to be nominated as ambassador to India by United States President Barack Obama and confirmed unanimously by the Senate, is "humbled by the outpouring of support in the US and India."

In an exclusive interview to Rediff.com, Verma said, "I know, while I may be getting the recognition today, it is only because I am standing on the shoulders of so many others who have come before me and so many who have worked so hard to build close relationships between our two countries."

"I know how important the India-US partnership is, as evidenced by President Obama's planned visit in January," and pledged, "I can assure you we will work hard to realise his vision of India and the US becoming and remaining the closest of friends and strategic partners."

"If we do," Verma said, "the world will be a safer and more prosperous place."

"There is a great group of American public servants working hard in India and Washington every day to ensure we achieve the goals set forth by President Obama and Secretary Kerry," he added.

"It will be an honour to help lead their efforts," he said, shortly after meeting President Obama.

Sources said during their meeting, Obama congratulated Verma over his unanimous voice vote confirmation by the US Senate and wished him all the very best in his new avatar in New Delhi.

The president said he was confident that Verma would do his country and the community proud by taking India-US relations to new heights.

Obama, according to the sources, said he is looking forward to his visit to India as chief guest in January for India's Republic Day celebrations and was thrilled that Verma would be in place in India by the time he arrives in New Delhi.

Kamal Verma, the ambassador's father who immigrated to the United States over 50 years ago, told Rediff.com that never in his wildest dreams could he have ever imagined that his son could have achieved all that he has, and that his nomination by the President and confirmation by the Senate as US envoy to India is still sinking in.

"As a part of the struggle that most immigrant parents wage, we simply hope and pray for the best for our children," Kamal Verma said. "Our family has been very close, and we have supported each other at every turn and we all celebrate in Rahul's accomplishments."

"His appointment as ambassador, and especially to India, is more than any first generation parents can imagine. I wish his mother were there by his side to see the fulfilment of her dream."

Savitri Verma, the ambassador's mother, passed away two years ago.

Image: President Barack Obama meets Richard Rahul Verma, who has been confirmed by the Senate as the next US Ambassador to India, in the Oval Office.
Photograph: Pete Souza/White House