Washington, the Indian-American Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, is scheduled for a six-day official tour to India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives next week. The primary objective of the visit is to bolster bilateral relations with these nations while reaffirming the United States' steadfast commitment to fostering a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Verma's itinerary from February 18-23 underscores America's dedication to strengthening cooperation with key partners in the Indo-Pacific. The trip coincides closely with the two-year mark of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, emphasizing the nation's unwavering commitment to regional stability and prosperity, as highlighted in a media release.
During his visit to New Delhi, Verma will engage with senior government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to advance the multifaceted US-Indian global strategic partnership. Discussions will encompass a wide array of issues, including economic development, security, and technology, as per an official statement.
Subsequently, Verma will proceed to Male, where he will hold discussions with senior officials aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and reinforcing maritime security efforts. His tour will also include an inspection of the proposed site for a new US Embassy in Male, underscoring the commitment to fostering stronger people-to-people ties between the United States and Maldives.
The trip will conclude in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where Verma will engage in meetings with senior officials to bolster US-Sri Lankan defense and maritime security cooperation. Additionally, he will visit the Port of Colombo's West Container Terminal, supported by USD 553 million in US financing, aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka's economic recovery and transforming Colombo into a regional shipping hub.
Furthermore, Verma will engage with civil society leaders to gain insights into democratic governance in Sri Lanka and emphasize US support for the protection of free speech and open discourse during meetings with government officials, according to the statement.
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