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 efforts in strengthening the U.S.-India strategic partnership.
Upon his arrival, Ambassador Verma expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “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, acting as a principal advisor to Secretary Clinton. During this period, he managed budget and policy efforts on Capitol Hill, oversaw over 200 Senate confirmations, and handled major congressional investigations. He was also the lead negotiator with Congress on Iran sanctions and the ratification of the new START Treaty.
Most recently, he worked as a senior counselor at Steptoe & Johnson and the Albright Stonebridge Group, focusing on international law and global regulatory compliance.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Verma served 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 previous roles include being a country director for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in Eastern Europe and serving as a senior National Security Fellow at the Center for American Progress.
Mr. Verma's academic credentials include 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.
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