The U.S. Mission to India has announced the arrival of Ambassador Richard Verma in New Delhi on January 2, 2015. Ambassador Verma is set to continue the mission's efforts in strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and India.
Upon his arrival, Ambassador Verma expressed his enthusiasm for his new role: “I am honored to serve as U.S. Ambassador to India at such an exciting time in our bilateral relationship. I look forward to meeting the Indian people and working together with the Indian government on our shared goals of security, development, and prosperity.”
Ambassador Verma brings a wealth of experience to his new position. He previously served as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs from 2009-2011, where he was a principal advisor to Secretary Clinton. During this time, he led budget and policy efforts on Capitol Hill, managed over 200 Senate confirmations, and handled several major congressional investigations. He also played a key role as lead negotiator with Congress on Iran sanctions and the ratification of the new START Treaty.
Before joining the State Department, Mr. Verma held positions as senior national security advisor to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and worked for Defense Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack Murtha in the House of Representatives. His earlier career included roles such as country director for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in Eastern Europe and senior National Security Fellow at the Center for American Progress.
Mr. Verma has been actively involved with various organizations; he served on boards including those of the Clinton Foundation, Human Rights First, and the National Democratic Institute. Additionally, he was a member of both Steptoe & Johnson and Albright Stonebridge Group focusing on international law and global regulatory compliance.
His military service includes active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1994 to 1998. Academically accomplished, Mr. Verma holds an LL.M. with distinction from Georgetown University Law Center, a J.D., cum laude from American University’s Washington College of Law, and a B.S. from Lehigh University.