Senior American diplomat Richard Verma is set to begin a six-day official visit to India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives next week, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties with these key Indo-Pacific partners and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region.
Verma, the US’ Indian-American Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, will travel to the three countries from February 18-23.
His trip comes shortly after the two-year anniversary of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, underscoring the US’ enduring dedication to the region’s ideals.
Richard Verma (Credits: The Economic Times)
The visit intends to bolster cooperation with each of these critical Indo-Pacific partners. In New Delhi, Verma will engage with senior government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to advance the US-Indian global strategic partnership across various fronts, including economic development, security, and technology.
The US’ Indo-Pacific Strategy, launched in February 2022, emphasizes collaboration with allies and partners to foster a free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
This strategy aligns with discussions among the US, India, and other global powers on the importance of maintaining a free, open, and thriving Indo-Pacific, particularly in response to China’s increasing military presence in the area.
China’s expansive claims in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built artificial islands and military installations, as well as its territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea, have raised concerns among regional powers.
The US, along with its allies and partners, seeks to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region through its strategic engagements and partnerships.
Verma’s visit underscores the US’ commitment to strengthening ties with key partners in the Indo-Pacific, promoting regional stability, and upholding shared values of freedom, openness, and prosperity in the region.
