Seasoned South Asia diplomat Atul Keshap appointed next Chargé D’affaires at U.S. Embassy in New Delhi

Question of Eric Garcetti’s nomination remains

The U.S. State Department announced the appointment of Atul Keshap, a senior foreign service officer with years of experience in South Asia, as Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) ad interim, in New Delhi, to replace the outgoing CDA, Daniel Smith, who is retiring. Mr. Keshap’s appointment highlights the fact that the White House is yet to send to the U.S. Senate, the nomination of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who had been tapped for the Ambassador role in New Delhi. Mr. Keshap was formerly U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and played a key role in developing the US- Maldives defence relationship. The two countries signed on to a framework for their security relationship last September. Mr. Keshap also served as Deputy Assistance Secretary for South Asia and was also has been posted previously to the American Embassy in New Delhi .