13 Going on 14 — GFM: https://gofund.me/32671a27
On June 29, 2021, the State Department announced the designation of Ambassador Atul Keshap as CDA for US Mission India:
Ambassador Atul Keshap, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, will be departing for New Delhi to serve as Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, following the retirement of Ambassador Daniel Smith. Ambassador Keshap will bring a wealth of experience to the role, having served previously at U.S. Embassy New Delhi and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia. He most recently served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and as the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Ambassador Keshap’s appointment will reinforce the close U.S. partnership with the Government and people of India, demonstrated by our collaboration to overcome global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 30 this year, Ambassador Dan Smith who was then FSI Director was appointed CDA for US Mission India (Ambassador Daniel Smith to be Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim at US Mission India). Apparently, he has now retired. There are rumors floating around that LA Mayor Eric Garcetti to set to be named as Biden’s pick for his ambassador to India, but to-date no official announcement has been made. Unless an announcement, and confirmation hearing happens in the next four weeks, it is likely that whoever is the nominee will be stuck in the system while the Senate goes on its August break.
Note that the tentative Senate schedule indicates the recess commencing on August 7. The Senate will not be back in session until September 13, and then after that, just some 48 more work days before 2021 ends.
Thank you, Mister Secretary. I am deeply honored by the opportunity once again to help advance the enduring friendship between the United States of America and the Republic of India. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/2kB70klchN
— Atul Keshap (@USAmbKeshap) June 29, 2021
US sends its South Asia hand, seasoned diplomat Atul Keshap as C'dA to Delhi. Keshap has served in Delhi and as Amb to Sri Lanka and Maldives. Reporting with @slakster @the_hindu https://t.co/nIkwb5qIEw
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) June 30, 2021