New Delhi, 20 February 2024 (TDI): Deputy Secretary State Richard R. Verma is on a tour to Indo-Pacific countries including India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka from 18-23 February. This underlines the strengthening of US diplomatic ties and Indo-Pacific partnerships.
The Indo-Pacific (Indian Ocean-Pacific Ocean) strategy was released on February 11, 2022. This strategy aims to promote freedom of navigation, peaceful region, free trade, enhance economic development, and foster strategic partnerships in the region.
Notably, this visit aims to talk about the 2-year anniversary of the US Indo-Pacific strategy. His trip will ensure that the US commits a free, open, and prosperous region.
“I had the honor and privilege to meet our steadfast Marine Security Guard Detachment at the US Embassy in India. Because of your dedicated services our diplomats can advance US priorities and strengthen bilateral ties,” Richard Verma said.
I had the honor and privilege to meet our steadfast Marine Security Guard Detachment at @USAndIndia. Because of your dedicated service, our diplomats can advance U.S. priorities and strengthen bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/Q44TVmqRf0
— Richard R. Verma (@DepSecStateMR) February 20, 2024
The Deputy Secretary of State met with Government officials, businesspersons, and entrepreneurs in New Delhi, India. They discussed the advancement of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy Coalition.
Moreover, they had a diplomatic talk on the economic development problem, security issues, and technological advancements.
Also Read: Deputy Secretary Verma Travels to Middle East and Pakistan
The US invested more than $200 billion in 2023 in bilateral trade. The Deputy Secretary of State held talks with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the US-India Business Council (USIBC) about trade policies, investment in minerals, and clean energy.
Furthermore, he mentioned, “Discussed Supply chains and confounding threats to accomplishing economically meaningful outcomes”.
Deputy Secretary of State Verma highlighted, “Enormous economic potential for both US and India when we work together! Discussed increased opportunities in trade with Indian Foreign Minister Goyal”.
Minister Goyal said after meeting Deputy Secretary Verma, “Held fruitful discussions to further strengthen US-India trade and investment ties to explore new opportunities for greater collaboration and growth”.
The US Ambassador Eric Garcetti welcomed Deputy Secretary Verma in New Delhi, India. They discussed the work during the tenure of the former US Ambassador to India now working as a Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Verma. They also conversed about the bilateral relationship between India and the USA.
Fantastic to see @DepSecStateMR Richard Verma, former U.S. Ambassador to India, who’s back at our Embassy in New Delhi. We shared great stories about his tenure and work in India and the #USIndia partnership. Here’s to shared visions and endless possibilities! #USIndiaFWD pic.twitter.com/Fa87cey7nj
— U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) February 20, 2024
Deputy Secretary Verma’s Indo-Pacific tour
Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma starts a diplomatic tour from 18 to 23 February from India and Maldives and then will conclude his trip in Sri Lanka.
Additionally, after India, Deputy Secretary Verma will visit the Maldives to meet government officials and advance shared properties in expanding economic alliance and nurturing maritime security. He will also visit the US embassy in Maldives to promote people-to-people ties between US-Maldives.
Lastly, he will visit Sri Lanka to meet the Government officials, to work on defense and maritime security cooperation. According to reports, the US invested $533 million in the economic development of Sri Lanka to transform it into a regional shipping hub.
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