April 17, 2012, 4:56 AM Meet Nancy Powell, the United States’ New Ambassador to India By THE NEW YORK TIMES
Nancy Powell, the first female American ambassador- designate to India, will arrive in New Delhi later this week bearing a few words of Hindi, a much-used camera and ambitious plans for the countries’ relationship, according to an introductory video released Tuesday by the Embassy.
Ms. Powell is no stranger to India – she was a diplomat here between 1992 and 1995. She has served as ambassador to Pakistan and to Nepal; prior to her new appointment she was director general of the Foreign Service.
“I am impressed by how much deeper and broader Indian-American relations have become and how much greater role India now plays in addressing the world’s challenges,” Ms. Powell said in her video, which was subtitled in 10 Indian languages including Bangla, Kannada and Urdu.
She arrives at a time when relations between the United States and India are at a somewhat difficult stage. The United States has led a push for nations to sever trade ties with Iran; India relies on Iran for about 10 percent of its petroleum imports and has been discussing increasing trade.
Recent Indian tax proposals are being viewed by foreign investors, including large American corporations that do business here, as onerous and have cooled deal-making and investment. Recent diplomatic successes, like the civil nuclear agreement, have not led to an upswing in trade between the two countries as expected. Finally, the United States recently doubled visa fees for Indian citizens.
Ms. Powell said she plans to travel to all corners of India, and that she sees India and United States “forming one of the definitive partnerships of the 21st century.” She is also looking forward to walks in Lodi Gardens in central New Delhi, she said.
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