GG News Bureau
Washington, 17th Feb. Senior American diplomat Richard Verma is set to embark on a significant six-day official tour to India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives next week, aiming to bolster bilateral ties with key Indo-Pacific partners and reinforce the United States’ unwavering commitment to fostering a free, open, secure, and prosperous region.
As the US’ Indian-American Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Mr. Verma, in his second senior post in the State Department, will visit the three nations from February 18-23.
The upcoming trip, closely following the two-year anniversary of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, seeks to reaffirm the United States’ steadfast dedication to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region, as outlined in a media release on Friday. This visit intends to enhance cooperation with each of these vital Indo-Pacific partners.
In New Delhi, Mr. Verma will engage with senior government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to advance the global strategic partnership between the US and India on various fronts, including economic development, security, and technology, according to an official statement.
Aligned with the US’ Indo-Pacific Strategy initiated on February 11, 2022, the United States Department of Commerce has collaborated with allies and partners to cultivate an Indo-Pacific region characterized by freedom, openness, connectivity, prosperity, security, and resilience.
The discussions among the US, India, and several other influential powers have underscored the imperative of ensuring a free, open, and thriving Indo-Pacific amidst China’s escalating military activities in the resource-rich region.
China’s expansive claims in the disputed South China Sea, alongside territorial disputes with neighboring nations like Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Japan, have prompted concerted efforts to uphold regional stability.
Following his engagements in India, Mr. Verma will proceed to Male, where he will meet with senior officials to advance mutual priorities aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and maritime security. Additionally, he will tour the designated office space for a new US Embassy in Male, which is expected to bolster people-to-people ties between the United States and the Maldives.
The trip will culminate in Colombo, where Mr. Verma will hold discussions with senior officials to bolster US-Sri Lankan defense and maritime security cooperation. His visit to the Port of Colombo’s West Container Terminal will underscore US support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery, backed by USD 553 million in financing to elevate Colombo into a regional shipping hub.
Furthermore, Mr. Verma will engage with civil society leaders to glean insights into democratic governance in Sri Lanka and convey US support for upholding free speech and fostering open discourse, as emphasized in the statement.
