USISPF is an India-centric advocacy group aiming at strengthening the strategic partnership between the US and India.
Richard Verma, the former US Ambassador to India, has joined the board of the US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)
Verma currently serves as vice chairman of The Asia Group, where he leads the firm’s growth in South Asia. In addition to this role, Ambassador Verma is a Centennial Fellow at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and he co-chairs the Center for American Progress’ US-India Task Force.
Announcing Verma’s appointment, the USISPF said on Thursday, “Verma’s extensive career and long-standing knowledge of foreign policy makes him an invaluable addition to the USISPF Board.â€
Verma was nominated as the 25th US Ambassador to India by President Obama in September 2014 and confirmed by the Senate in December 2014. During his two-year tenure, US-India relations experienced a significant resurgence, with important gains made in defense, trade, and clean energy.
He previously served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs and also worked in the Senate for many years, serving as Senior National Security Advisor to the Senate Majority Leader. The US Air Force veteran also served the House of Representatives and has a distinguished career in the private sector, too.
“Rich Verma is one of the most profoundly influential individuals for U.S.-India relations, and we could not be more honored and excited to welcome him to the USISPF Board, a powerful group that will undoubtedly make serious strides in partnership and trade growth between the United States and India,†said Dr. Mukesh Aghi, president of USISPF.
“While serving as Ambassador to India, I saw first-hand the exciting work that U.S. companies are doing across India and in cooperation with domestic partners. The USISPF provides a critical platform to advance commercial ties, and I am delighted to join the Board of this new leading organization,†said Verma.
USISPF is an India-centric advocacy group aiming at strengthening the strategic partnership between the US and India. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the organization has offices in New York, Silicon Valley, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
John T. Chambers, Executive Chairman of Cisco, is the Chairman of the USISPF. Other prominent members on the board include Ajay Banga, President & Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard, and Indra Nooyi, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo.
(This post has been updated.)