NEW DELHI — Veena Reddy, an Indian-American administrator, arrived in India to take charge as the U.S. Agency for International Development’s new director in India.
The United States Agency for International Development is an independent agency of the United States federal government primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.
As the mission director of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Reddy will be leading the organization’s operations in India as well as Bhutan, as per the statement by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
“Reddy most recently served as USAID’s (United States Agency for International Development) Mission Director in Cambodia, where she oversaw robust programs spanning food security, environment, health, education, child protection, and democracy and governance,” it said.
“For the past seven decades, the U.S. Agency for International Development has partnered with the people and Government of India to build a peaceful and prosperous society,” said Reddy.
“During that time, our partnership has evolved, and I look forward to further strengthening our relationship. During the pandemic, the challenges faced by all have taken an enormous human and economic 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.”
U.S. Ambassador to India Atul Keshap expressed his pride and admiration that another Indian American will lead a critical Mission component, reflecting the accomplishments of Indian Americans in all walks of life in America.
“Welcome to India Veena Reddy, @usaid_india’s first-ever Indian American Mission Director. Coming with a rich experience in development and diplomacy, MD Reddy will be a great asset for our friendship with India,” he tweeted.
Keshap most recently served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and as the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The agency said Reddy brings with her a rich background in development and diplomacy. Born in Andhra Pradesh, India, she is the first Indian American to lead U.S. Agency for International Development in India and Bhutan.
Reddy has had an extensive career as a U.S. foreign service officer, serving as U.S. Agency for International Development’s Mission Director in Cambodia; U.S. Agency for International Development’s Deputy Mission Director in Haiti; and in Washington, D.C. as an Assistant General Counsel, covering legal matters for U.S. Agency for International Development’s programs 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.
Reddy holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Columbia University School of Law and a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Chicago.
“The U.S. Agency for International Development 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,” said the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India.
Recognizing India’s leadership, U.S. Agency for International Development is working with the Government of India, the private sector, and civil society to test and scale innovative development solutions in India and regionally, and globally.
(With inputs from ANI)
Edited by Saptak Datta and Ritaban Misra
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