Statement by Madeleine Albright on the nomination of Richard Verma to be the next U.S. Ambassador to India:‎

On behalf of Albright Stonebridge Group and my fellow Chairs, Samuel Berger and Carlos Gutierrez, I congratulate Richard Verma on his nomination to serve as our next Ambassador to India.

Over the past several years, I have had the opportunity to work with Rich in a variety of different capacities, including when he served as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, in various key roles at the National Democratic Institute, and, most recently, as a Senior Counselor at ASG.

Rich has been instrumental in shaping American foreign policy during the course of his career.  He has counseled Secretaries of State, Congressional leadership, and influential think tanks on some of the most critical aspects of national security, including counterterrorism, homeland security, and nuclear negotiations.

His appointment comes at a crucial time in our bilateral relations with India, and I believe Rich will act as a superb bridge between our two nations.  I am confident that Rich will help to further strengthen what President Obama has called “the defining partnership of the 21^st century.”

I will miss seeing him in the office, but I know our friendship will continue.  The United States could have no better representative in India than Rich Verma.