Richard Verma, the Indian-American Deputy Secretary of State for the United States (second most senior position within the State Department), is scheduled to undertake a six-day official trip to India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives from February 18 to February 23.
The purpose of the visit is to enhance bilateral relations with these key Indo-Pacific partners and to reiterate America's steadfast commitment to fostering a free, open, secure, and prosperous region.
In the press release, the US Department of State said, "Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R Verma will travel to India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka on February 18-23 to strengthen the United States' cooperation with each of these key Indo-Pacific partners."
It added, "Shortly following the second anniversary of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, his trip will reaffirm the United States' enduring commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region," a media release said on Friday.
US to India
As per the official announcement, he will first travel to India. In New Delhi, Mr. Verma will engage with senior government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to further enhance the comprehensive US-Indian global strategic partnership across various domains, including economic development, security, and technology.
As part of the US' Indo-Pacific Strategy, initiated on February 11, 2022, the United States Department of Commerce has collaborated closely with allies and partners to foster an Indo-Pacific region characterised by freedom, openness, connectivity, prosperity, security, and resilience.
China has been escalating military activities in the resource-rich region. China asserts sovereignty over nearly all of the contested South China Sea, despite competing claims from Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Beijing has constructed artificial islands and military installations within the South China Sea. Additionally, territorial disputes with Japan persist in the East China Sea.
India to Maldives
After concluding his visit to India, Richard Verma will travel to Maldives to meet with senior officials and advance shared priorities in increasing economic cooperation and promoting maritime security.
He will also tour the planned office space for a new US Embassy in Male, according to the US Department of State press release. He will also tour the planned office space for a new US Embassy in Male, which will help further increase people-to-people ties between the United States and Maldives.
Maldives to Sri Lanka
Mr Verma will conclude his trip in Colombo. His meetings with senior officials will support US-Sri Lankan defence and maritime security cooperation. hold meetings with senior officials who will support US-Sri Lankan defence and maritime security cooperation.
He will visit the Port of Colombo's West Container Terminal, where the United States is supporting Sri Lanka's ongoing economic recovery through USD 553 million in financing to transform Colombo into a regional shipping hub.
Finally, he will meet with civil society leaders to hear their perspective on democratic governance in Sri Lanka and with government officials to voice US support for the protection of free speech and open discourse, a statement said.
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