Veena Reddy arrives in India to head USAID mission

NEW DELHI:

US Mission

to India Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador,

Atul Keshap

, has announced that

Veena Reddy

, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, has arrived in New Delhi to take charge as the new mission director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in India.

As the mission director, Reddy will lead USAID’s operations in India and Bhutan.

Talking about her appointment, she stated, “For the past seven decades, USAID has partnered with the people and the

Government of India

to build a peaceful and prosperous society. During this time our partnership has evolved, and I look forward to further strengthening our relationship. The challenges faced by all during the Covid-19 pandemic have taken an enormous toll on India and beyond. I am confident that with the strength and warmth of the US-India partnership, we will continue to move forward on the road to prosperity.”

Ambassador Keshap said that the fact that another Indian-American will lead a critical mission component, reflecting the accomplishments of Indian-Americans in all walks of life in America, makes him proud.

Reddy brings with her a rich background in development and diplomacy. Born in Andhra Pradesh she is the first Indian-American to lead the USAID in India and Bhutan.

She has had an extensive career as a US foreign service officer, serving as USAID’s mission director in Cambodia; USAID’s deputy mission director in Haiti; and in Washington, D.C. as an assistant general counsel, covering legal matters for USAID's programmes in Asia and the Middle East. Before embarking on a career of federal government service, Reddy was a corporate attorney in New York, London, and Los Angeles. She holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Columbia University School of Law and MA and BA degrees from the University of Chicago.

USAID is committed to supporting India in achieving its development goals, supporting clean energy and environmental reform, combating climate challenges, improving health, encouraging inclusive economic growth, and bolstering the Covid-19 response.

Recognising India’s leadership, USAID is working with the Government of India, the private sector, and civil society to test and scale innovative development solutions in India, as well as regionally and globally.