The Indian Panorama

Tag: Richard Verma

  • India-US security cooperation will become even more important in the years ahead: Richard Verma

    India-US security cooperation will become even more important in the years ahead: Richard Verma

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): India-US security cooperation will become even more important in the years ahead and the work of the two countries on emerging technologies will take on even more promise, a top American diplomat said on Thursday, March 14, reiterating the remarks of President Joe Biden that this is the defining partnership of the 21st century.

    “As both President Biden and Prime Minister Modi have said, our impact on each other is important, but what we can do for the world is even more important. Whether it’s addressing food insecurity or battling the next pandemic or connecting millions to the digital economy, there is so much we can do together,” Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma, wrote in a blog post in his recent return from India.

    Verma is the highest-ranking Indian-American ever in the State Department. He was also the first ever Indian-American to serve as the US Ambassador to India.

    “So, where are we headed?” Verma wrote as he described in detail the significant growth in the India-US relationship over the last few decades.

    He identified defense, democracy and technology as three key areas of cooperation between the two countries.

    “Our security cooperation will become even more important in the years ahead. The threats we face are real, but building our collective capabilities, increasing sharing of information, and improving maritime domain awareness and interoperability will ensure India continues to be a provider of net security across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” Verma wrote. “Our work on protecting, preserving, and strengthening democracy will continue to be even more important, with the rise of authoritarian leaders and movements. This includes continuing to strengthen a global rules-based order architecture, ensuring we bridge the divide on income inequality, and battling mis and disinformation. Democracy must continue to deliver for our peoples,” he said.

    “Our work on emerging technologies will take on even more promise. New and emerging technologies offer tremendous opportunities for economic growth and development. At the same time, recent disruptive cyber attacks, carried out by criminals and nation states, demonstrate the risk that cyber vulnerabilities can pose to global peace and security,” said the top American diplomat.

    “We must work together to tackle data privacy issues, such as identity theft, by exchanging knowledge on data protection issues. Through the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership, the US is working closely with India to build and maintain internet infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity protections. From semiconductors to critical minerals to space exploration and innovation in clean energy, battling climate change, and so much more, this is about economic and physical security,” Verma wrote.

  • US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma meets Indian officials to advance global strategic partnership

    US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma meets Indian officials to advance global strategic partnership

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma has met with senior Indian ministers and officials in New Delhi to advance the US-India global strategic partnership and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region, according to his spokesperson.

    Verma, the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, is the highest-ranking Indian American in the State Department. The former US Ambassador to India was on an official visit to India from February 19 to 21.

    He met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane, and Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri in New Delhi, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said here on Thursday.

    Verma’s meetings explored opportunities to strengthen US-India cooperation and people-to-people ties to ensure a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, Miller said.

    He also met with Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal to discuss further expanding trade and economic ties between the US and India. “The Deputy Secretary and Indian officials further emphasized the benefits of close partnership on addressing global issues,” Miller said.

    Verma is on a six-day official visit to India, Sri Lanka and Maldives till Friday to strengthen bilateral ties with the nations, reaffirming America’s enduring commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region.

  • Richard Verma sworn in as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources

    Richard Verma sworn in as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma has been sworn in as the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, making him the highest-ranking Indian-American ever in the State Department. “An honor to return to the State Department,” Verma said in a tweet after he was sworn into the top position in the State Department Wednesday, April 5. The Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources is often referred to as the Chief Operating Officer of the State Department.
    A lawyer, diplomat and executive, Verma, 54, was confirmed by the US Senate by a vote of 67-26 last month.
    Verma, who served as the US Ambassador to India from January 16, 2015, to January 20, 2017, was till now the Chief Legal Officer and Head of Global Public Policy at Mastercard.
    During the Obama administration, Verma also served as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs.
    Earlier in his career, he was National Security Advisor to US Senator Harry Reid while he was Democratic whip, Minority Leader and then-Majority Leader of the United States Senate.
    He has served as Vice Chairman of The Asia Group, Partner and Senior Counselor at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, and Senior Counselor at the Albright Stonebridge Group. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served on active duty as a Judge Advocate.Verma, who was born in 1968 to an Indian immigrant, grew up in Pennsylvania. He attended a private college on a US Air Force scholarship. He earned a B S at Lehigh University, a J.D. cum laude at American University, an LLM with distinction at Georgetown University Law Center, and a PhD at Georgetown University.
    He is the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal from the Department of State, the International Affairs Fellowship from the Council on Foreign Relations and the Meritorious Service Medal from the United States Air Force.
    Verma was appointed to the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board and is a former member of the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism Commission. He serves as a trustee of The Ford Foundation and is on numerous other boards, including that of the National Endowment for Democracy and Lehigh University. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as a Judge Advocate.

  • Indian American IMPACT Fund celebrates Biden’s nomination of Richard Verma for Deputy Secretary of State

    Indian American IMPACT Fund celebrates Biden’s nomination of Richard Verma for Deputy Secretary of State

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): An Indian American body has welcomed the nomination of lawyer diplomat Richard Verma for Deputy Secretary of State, a top diplomatic position in the State Department.

    In December, the White House in a statement said that Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate 54-year-old Verma to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. If confirmed by the US Senate, Verma, also a former US ambassador to India, would be the highest-ranking Indian American in the State Department.

    “This nomination is yet another historic addition by President Biden in his campaign pledge to diversify the current administration,” Indian American Impact Fund said in a statement. Verma’s historic opportunity to join the State Department is the culmination of his long and illustrious career in public service.

    “We at Indian American Impact are thrilled to witness and potentially welcome the historic confirmation of yet another visionary South Asian leader,” said Neil Makhija, executive director of Indian American Impact Fund.

  • Indian American Richard Verma to be appointed to Biden’s Intelligence Advisory Board

    Indian American Richard Verma to be appointed to Biden’s Intelligence Advisory Board

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  (TIP): US President Joe Biden has announced his intent to appoint Indian-American lawyer diplomat Richard Verma, also a former US ambassador to India, as a member of his Intelligence Advisory Board. The President’s Intelligence Advisory Board is an independent element within his Executive Office. A White House statement said Biden has announced his intent to appoint Verma to his Intelligence Advisory Board. Verma, 53, is currently the general counsel and head of Global Public Policy for Mastercard. He oversees the company’s law and policy functions in the US and around the world.

  • Indian American President of USIBC says Free Trade Agreement is the next Frontier in India-US Ties

    Indian American President of USIBC says Free Trade Agreement is the next Frontier in India-US Ties

    WASHINGTON, DC (TIP): – A Free Trade Agreement is the next frontier in the India-U.S. relationship,Nisha Desai Biswal, Indian American president of the U.S.-India Business Council and a former U.S. diplomat, said.

    Biswal, speaking at a dinner September 30th, hosted by Indiaspora, stressed that it is not tenable for the two largest economies of the world to not have a trade architecture in place between them, though its path is riddled with “all kinds of obstacles.”

    “The time has come for us to get serious about where the next frontier is in U.S.- India ties. And neither for the United States nor for India, is it tenable for two of the largest economies in the world to be outside of the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) and to not have a trade architecture in place between the two of them,” Biswal.

    “We are starting to see real signals of interest from India to be able to explore that. So, I think the time has come to get serious. It’s not easy. It’s a path riddled with all kinds of obstacles, she said.

    It’s time for us to put down the knives, turn on the light, get down to business, she said in a lighter vein as she urged the powerful group of Indian Americans to engage the two governments on the issue, the report adds.

    Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, while addressing the 4th Annual Leadership Summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Sept. 30, said that India and the U.S. should engage in a much bigger way and New Delhi is ready and willing to expand the economic partnership with America.

    He also called for setting an ambitious bilateral trade target of $1 trillion in the next 10 years, according to the report. In her brief remarks on the occasion, Neera Tanden, senior adviser to President Joe Biden, said it is critical to have Indian Americans at the table, contributing, involved and engaged in helping make decisions, the report said.

    Former U.S. Ambassador to India, Richard Verma said the recent successful visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi shows the new chapter in this important bilateral relationship.

    U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, and Dr. Ami Bera, D-California, also spoke on the occasion.

    “The sky’s the limit,” Bera said of the potential to grow elected leaders in government. Krishnamoorthi thanked the diaspora for their outpouring of support for pandemic relief, the report added.

    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian-origin Vivek Murthy to lead Biden Covid panel

    Indian-origin Vivek Murthy to lead Biden Covid panel

    WASHINGTON (TIP): While several Indian-Americans, such as Richard Verma, Nisha Biswal, Sonal Shah and Seema Sadanandan, might figure in the new Biden administration to be announced around November 26, an American of the Indian origin will play a prominent role right away in the President-elect’s first initiative after beating Donald Trump. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has been named to co-lead a 12-member group that will join battle with the raging Covid epidemic in the US that is registering over one lakh positive cases every day.

    The “Covid-19 task force” will also be co-led by former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Kessler and Yale University professor Marcella Nunez-Smith.Murthy, a registered Democrat, was the Surgeon General of the United States from 2014 – 2017. Biden was receiving briefings for months from health experts, including Murthy and Kessler, a former FDA commissioner. Other experts who have briefed Biden include Celine Gounder of New York University and Yale’s Marcella Nunez-Smith, according to US media reports.

    “On Monday, I will name a group of leading scientists and experts as transition advisers to help take the Biden-Harris Covid plan and convert it into an action blueprint that will start on January 20. The plan will be built on bedrock science,’’ Biden said in his first President-elect speech on Saturday night. The Biden taskforce could start holding public briefings from next week till the Inauguration Day on January 20.

  • Indian Envoy speaks on world’s largest democratic exercise

    Indian Envoy speaks on world’s largest democratic exercise

    WASHINGTON (TIP): The Asia Group, a Washington based leading strategic and business consultancy foundation to the world’s most impactful and innovative companies operating across Asia, recently hosted an event where India’s Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla was the keynote speaker.

    The Ambassador spoke on “India’s Elections: Understanding the results and implications” at the event, moderated by former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma, Vice Chairman and Partner at The Asia Group, where he leads the firm’s growth in South Asia.

    Characterizing the Indian elections as the world’s largest democratic exercise, Ambassador Shringla referred to the historic voter turnout; record participation of women; aspiration of young voters; and the significance of a clear and unambiguous mandate for the growth and economic development of India. Ambassador also responded to queries from the audience comprising of representatives of US government agencies, think tanks, and corporate houses.

  • Indian American Former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma joins SFS as Centennial Fellow

    Indian American Former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma joins SFS as Centennial Fellow

    GEORGRTOWN (TIP): Former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma has joined Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service as SFS Centennial Fellow, the University announced.

    The Centennial Fellows program at the School of Foreign Service brings distinguished practitioners and scholars to be resources for students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as the broader public.

    Ambassador Verma will help support Georgetown’s India Initiative, a signature program to advance research and teaching around India, world affairs and the United States. With his 25 years of experience in the national security field, he will also be an important resource for students interested in Asia, security studies, and the US Congress and its role in foreign policy decision-making.

    “The Walsh School of Foreign Service is truly excited to have Rich Verma join us as a Centennial Fellow,” Senior Associate Dean Anthony Clark Arend said. “Ambassador Verma has a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors. He will bring to the School a unique perspective that will help all of us re-imagine our mission in a new and changing world.”

    “I’m really honored to be a part of the School of Foreign Service and the Centennial Fellows program,” Ambassador Verma said. “Georgetown has always been at the forefront of international relations scholarship, and I look forward to engaging with students, faculty and staff as we compare notes about developments in Asia, and in particular recent trends in India.”

    Ambassador Verma served as the 25th United States Ambassador to India, nominated by President Obama in September 2014 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December 2014. During his two-year tenure, U.S.-India relations experienced a significant resurgence, with important gains made in defense, trade and clean energy. The Ambassador managed an unprecedented 9 meetings and 3 summits between President Obama and Prime Minister Modi, leading to over 100 new initiatives and more than 40 government to government dialogues.

    Ambassador Verma previously served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, where he led the State Department’s efforts on Capitol Hill. He worked in the Senate for many years, serving as Senior National Security Advisor to the Senate Majority Leader and he also worked in the House of Representatives. He is veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served on active duty as a Judge Advocate. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.

    The Ambassador also has a distinguished career in the private sector, serving as partner at the global law firm of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, and as Senior Counselor to the Albright Stonebridge Group. He served as a commissioner on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism Commission and is a co-author of their landmark report, “World at Risk.” He was also a National Security Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a DC-based think tank.

     

  • Amitabh Bachchan honored by US Embassy for TB awareness

    Amitabh Bachchan honored by US Embassy for TB awareness

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been honored by the US Embassy to acknowledge his immense contribution to the India-US ties on tuberculosis. The award was presented on January 8 by US Ambassador to India Richard R Verma to the 74-year-old actor, who himself is a TB survivor and brand ambassador for the cause.

    After receiving the award, Bachchan went live on Facebook with Verma to discuss the cooperation between the two nations to spread awareness about the much-feared disease.

    Remembering his first encounter with Verma, Bachchan said that they have been associated since 2015, when the latter was awarded the Padma Vibhushan.

    Bachchan adds, “Within a week later, I received a letter from the ambassador (citing that) … We are looking at doing something about tuberculosis in India. Would you be kind enough to entertain in joining this effort? And I readily agreed.” The “Pink” actor also said that it was embarrassing that India is the largest carrier of TB in the world.

    Recounting his “Kaun Banega Crorepati” days, when he experienced excruciating pain in the spine, he said, “I survived on 8-9 painkillers every day. In 2002, it was discovered in a general investigation that I was suffering from the tuberculosis of the spine.”

    Bachchan added, “Without immodesty, I can say that if it (TB) can happen to me it can happen to anyone. If it is detected in time, there is a cure.” The actor was especially impressed with the involvement of women in spreading awareness and busting myths about the disease under this initiative. He said that it was inspiring how they fought both with the disease and fear of alienation due to the social stigma about the disease.

    On giving the award to Bachchan, Verma said, “We are proud to give you this award for your leadership and everything that you have done.”

    The US ambassador also said that the US government has been working with the Indian government for over 20 years on tuberculosis.

    “Over USD 100 million have been invested… we have treated over 15 million people with our Indian partners, saved millions of lives from the disease,” he added. (PTI)

  • India continues to get more H-1B visas despite fee hike: Verma

    India continues to get more H-1B visas despite fee hike: Verma

    NEW YORK (TIP): India continues to get the “lion’s share” of the H-1B visas from the US government despite the fee hike, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma.

    “India continues to receive the lion’s share of H-1B and L1 and even after the fee increase, they continue to get 70 per cent of those H-1B visas,” Verma said on the sidelines of ‘The Future is Now: From COP21 to Reality’ conference in New Delhi.

    “We understand the concern about the fee hike. I think there is an ongoing conversation. We also know this is an important part of travel and commercial enterprise in the US. And again, there is an increase in the number of visas issued, in fact, there is a slight increase,” he added.

    The US, under the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, has imposed a special fee of USD 4,000 on certain categories of H-1B visas and USD 4,500 on L1 visas.

    Almost all Indian IT companies would be paying between USD 8,000 and USD 10,000 per H-1B visa as per the hike. According to Nasscom, this is expected to have an impact of about USD 400 million annually on India’s technology sector.

    Earlier in his speech, Verma said the ongoing deforestation and poor land management is responsible for nearly a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions as each day, greenhouse gases emitted by human activities trap the same amount of heat energy as would be released by 400,000 atomic bombs.

    “Climate change is not just an environmental challenge; it is a national security issue. Changes in climate could potentially damage critical infrastructure, create shortages of food and water, and lead to mass migrations and disease outbreaks.

    “Receding ice sheets in the Arctic and the opening of new sea passages raise concerns about maritime security and freedom of navigation,” he said. According to Verma, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 175 GW target for renewable energy deployments is among the most ambitious in the world and the US has done a great deal to support this effort.

    Through the US-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy, or PACE, nearly USD 2.5 billion have been mobilized for clean energy projects in India and another USD 1.4 billion in climate finance for solar projects was announced during the Prime Minister’s visit to the US.

    “India’s success is critical to global success and I firmly believe, clean energy will be one of the biggest growth opportunities in the years ahead. Between now and 2035, investment in the global energy sector is expected to reach nearly USD 17 trillion. That’s more than the entire GDP of China and India combined,” Verma said.

    The US is actively supporting India’s solar targets through the Government of India-led International Solar Alliance and bilateral initiatives, such as rooftop solar cooperation and solar resource mapping, he said.

  • Ambassador Richard Verma Visits Bhopal

    Ambassador Richard Verma Visits Bhopal

    United States Ambassador to India, Richard R. Verma, visited Bhopal on May 25, 2016 for his first official visit to the state of Madhya Pradesh.

    During his visit, Ambassador Verma met with the Honorable Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to discuss U.S.-India cooperation, including investment opportunities for U.S. companies and clean energy initiatives.

    The Ambassador also met Chief Secretary Anthony De Sa, and Minister for Commerce, Industry and Employment, Public Sector Undertakings, Sports and Youth Welfare, Religious Trusts and Religious Affairs, Ms. Yashodara Raje Scindia.

    In addition to his official meetings, Ambassador Verma met religious leaders and students at Taj-ul-Masajid, the largest mosque in India.  “This stunning mosque is a symbol of India’s architectural treasure and represents the richness of India’s cultural heritage,” said Ambassador Verma.  “Among India’s strongest assets are its diverse religious communities, and it was very special to spend some time learning about the work and education that takes place here at the Taj-ul-Masajid.”

    Later in the day, Ambassador Verma visited the “Gauravi” One Stop Crisis Center and interacted with staff and survivors gender-based violence (GBV).  At the Center, Ambassador Verma learned about joint efforts by civil society groups and government to address and counter GBV issues.  “The Gauravi Center does absolutely incredible work,” said the Ambassador.  “The collaboration between the government and NGO are commendable, and I applaud their work to address gender based violence.”

    Ambassador Verma also spent time with students at the “Parvarish” Museum School, which was founded in 2005 by the NGO Organization for Awareness of Integrated Social Security (OASIS) to serve slum children.  Ambassador Verma interacted with current students and several program graduates who are now in college.  During his interactions, Ambassador Verma stressed the need for these students to continue working towards their goals.  “It was a joy to interact with the students at Parvarish,” said the Ambassador.  “The engaging, hands-on learning environment made me think anew about innovative options for meeting educational needs.  To see the good and important work going on at Parvarish was truly inspirational.”

    The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai looks forward to deepening and broadening its partnership with Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh across all sectors: more two-way trade and investment, along with greater collaboration in health, science, and clean energy.

    USAmbIndia - Bhopal visit1 - Image Coutesy Getty Images / Hindustan Times
    Image Coutesy Getty Images / Hindustan Times

    USAmbIndia - Bhopal visit - Image Coutesy Getty Images / Hindustan Times
    Image Coutesy Getty Images / Hindustan Times
  • Ohio State, IndoGenius Develop MOOC to Educate Students About India

    Ohio State, IndoGenius Develop MOOC to Educate Students About India

    NEW YORK (TIP): Ohio State University and Delhi-based IndoGenius have developed an online course to help students learn about the importance of India.

    The course, which was launched Jan 12 by Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, at the American Center in New Delhi will be delivered via the world’s largest online course platform, Coursera.

    The massive open online course (MOOC) is funded through the U.S. Department of State’s Passport to India initiative, which is jointly managed by Ohio State and IndoGenius.

    Passport to India seeks to increase the number and diversity of American college and university students studying abroad and interning in India by 2020.

    The program was launched by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2011 to create a hub for U.S.-India higher education partnerships and to develop a stronger bond between the youth of both countries by increasing American student mobility.

    “With India’s growing economy it is critical for our future leaders to understand India’s cultural, historic and economic importance in world affairs,” said William Brustein, vice provost for global strategies and international affairs at Ohio State. “Engaging young Americans to experience the depth and breadth of India firsthand will only produce stronger U.S.-India relations. For Ohio State to take a leadership role in this transformative process is an exciting and important opportunity.”

    The curriculum for the course was developed by Brian Joseph, a distinguished university professor of linguistics at Ohio State and Nick Booker, co-founder of IndoGenius, and implemented through the Office of Distance Education and eLearning.

    The course titled, The Importance of India, covers a broad range of topics, from India’s ancient trade relations with the Roman Empire, South East Asia and China to India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem and its role in creatively solving global problems through technology.

    The course’s final lecture is dedicated to presenting study, startup and internship opportunities in India along with references and advice for those wishing to travel to India.

    By educating students about India through the online course, Ohio State and IndoGenius are hoping it will make a significant contribution toward meeting Passport to India’s goal of increasing the number of students studying abroad in India annually from its current, 4,583 to at least 10,000 in the next four years.

    “India is relevant to American students of all backgrounds and interests,” said Booker of IndoGenius. “The Passport to India MOOC will demonstrate how India’s economic and civilizational re-emergence has renewed the importance of India. Take any of the grand challenges faced by the world today and if you can innovate a solution that works in India it can work anywhere.”

    The course is free for anyone in the world and currently open for enrollment on coursera.org

    Indian students are actively encouraged to join and learn alongside their American peers. Those interested in learning more about Passport to India and its directory of 60+ study abroad and paid internship opportunities in India can do so at www.passporttoindia.com.

  • U.S. Praises India’s Role in Nepal Quake Relief Efforts

    New Delhi April 28 (TIP) : US praised India’s leadership role in helping earthquake-hit Nepal and persons of different nationalities stranded in war-ravaged Yemen.

    “India has demonstrated its global leadership in recent weeks, first in Yemen and now in Nepal. We are grateful; we are impressed; we are inspired.

    “And because our cooperation is expanding, India is using C-17s and C-130s on the front lines of its response,” US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said here at the Amcham function.

    He said that the US side has received administrative clearances for its relief efforts in Nepal without delay.

    “As our relationship progresses, we will be able to do even more together,” he added.

    India was the first to respond to the Nepal crisis and it immediately sent relief material.

    The death toll in the devastating earthquake that rocked Nepal has climbed to over 4,350 today with more than 8,000 injured.

    Crisis loomed over quake-hit Nepal with an acute shortage of food, water, electricity and medicines as fear of another quake kept tens of thousands of people out in the open.

    Verma also said that the US has provided USD 10 million in humanitarian funding.

    He said that the embassy has deployed personnel and disaster response resources to Nepal to participate in the rescue effort.

    Source : PTI

  • India’s emergence as a major player good for world: Ambassador Richard Verma

    India’s emergence as a major player good for world: Ambassador Richard Verma

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Envoys of six leading world powers — US, Japan, China, Britain, Germany and Canada- hailed, March 14,  India’s emergence as a major player at the “global high table” and complimented the new government for its efforts to stimulate economic growth, says a PTI report.

      The Ambassadors and High Commissioners said India’s role was crucial in combating major challenges facing the globe such as terrorism and climate change while noting that the country has huge untapped potential in trade and economic spheres.

      US Ambassador Richard Verma said the strategic partnership between the two countries has moved into a new phase and that the visit here by President Barack Obama had led to breakthroughs on a number of issues.  

    “Our strategic partnership has moved into a new phase, a more mature one that I would characterize as “strategic plus”.

     Our leaders share an understanding that if our democracies work in tandem, we can have a positive impact on global peace, democracy and economic prosperity,” Verma said addressing the India Today conclave.

    He said since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US in September last year, both sides have “convened, signed, and cooperated on no fewer than 30 dialogues, declarations, and agreements.”

    On India-US partnership on clean energy, he said over USD 2.4 billion has been “mobilized” to invest in clean energy projects.

    “We have agreed to make concrete progress this year towards phasing out hudrofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol as well as pursuing a strong global climate agreement in Paris this year,” he said adding US has offered its support to Indian cities to combat air pollution.

    He said last week, a team of experts from the US Environmental Protection Agency met with senior officials and experts of the Ministry of Environment and the Central Pollution Control Board.

  • Vijay Jolly assures BJP support to Chirag Patel on phone

    Vijay Jolly assures BJP support to Chirag Patel on phone

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Former Global Convener BJP Overseas Affairs Vijay Jolly today condemned US police brutal assault on Sureshbhai Patel Gujarati Indian national on a short visit to US in the state of Alabama.

    BJP leader Mr. Jolly telephoned his son Mr. Chirag Patel in Alabama and reiterated BJP support to the aggrieved family in a long distance call.

    Mr. Jolly found the whole Gujarati family is in a state of shock over this ugly incident. The unarmed Mr. Sureshbhai was brutally assaulted by US police officials in Huntsville Town in Alabama, USA revealed Mr. Chirag to Mr. Jolly.

    Though no crime was committed yet the 57 years old resident of Nadiad district from state of Gujarat was subject to illegal assault resulting in his temporary state of paralysis, stated Mr. Jolly.

    BJP has expressed its outrage on this ugly incident.

    BJP leader Mr. Jolly has written a protest letter to the US Ambassador in India Mr. Richard Verma on the issue. State help, counseling of the aggrieved, free medical treatment, monetary compensation to the family along with severe punishment to the three US police officer involved in this gruesome assault case has been demanded by BJP leader Mr. Vijay Jolly from New Delhi.