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http://www.allvoices.com/contribute...desai-biswal-to-be-us-asst-secretary-of-state
Indian-American Nisha Desai Biswal to be assistant secretary of state
Washington : DC : USA | Oct 18, 2013 at 7:45 AM PDT
BY Nina Rai
Nisha Desai Biswal, an accomplished Indian-American woman administrator has been confirmed by the US Senate as the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia on Oct. 16, making her America’s new point person for the region.
Biswal, 45, is the first person of South Asian origin to head the key bureau in the State Department. Currently she is assistant administrator for Asia at theUS Agency for International Development (USAID), since September 2010.
The USAID is headed by Rajiv Shah, another Indian-American in the highest-ranking post in the Obama administration. Biswal will be succeeding incumbent Robert Blake, who has served the post since May 2009.
President Obama nominated Biswal for the top post on July 18, a WH release said. The Senate confirmation means she will be overseeing US foreign policy and relations with India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
In a sense Biswal’s nomination is unparalleled as the South Asia bureau has always been led by “all-American” diplomats, although there have been many mid-level staffers who are born in the US but are of sub-continental origin. Bobby JindalRichard BoucherJohn McCain, who rarely praises anyone from the Democratic Party, told Biswal: "I consider you another compelling argument for comprehensive immigration reform."
However, unable to resist a jab at Biswal, the senator added: "Despite your misguided political affiliation, I would like to say that you're a great example to all of us of people who come to this country. I know you were very young, and the opportunities that this country provides."
During the Senate hearing Biswal had told lawmakers that promoting the India-US strategic partnership will be of vital importance for her, if she is confirmed. Asserting that “India's growing economic power makes it a vital anchor for the vision of regional engagement as well as a cornerstone of America's strategic rebalance to Asia,” she said, "If I am confirmed by the Senate, advancing India-US Strategic Partnership will be of paramount importance."
Biswal has been a member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China since March 2011. From 2005 to 2010, she served as the majority clerk for the State Department and Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. From 2002 to 2005, she served as the policy and advocacy directorInterAction.
From 1999 to 2002, she worked as professional staff of the US House of Representatives International Relations Committee, where she was responsible for South and Central Asia policy, as well as oversight of the State Department and USAID. Biswal has also worked for the American Red Cross, at the Washington, D.C., headquarters and as an overseas delegate in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.
Born to first generation Indian-Americans, Kanu and Lata Desai in 1968, Nisha Biswal draws her inspiration from her parents' saga of emigration from Gujarat, India “to pursue the American Dream and a better life for their children,” which she told lawmakers during the confirmation hearing of her current position on July 21, 2010. Nisha is married to Subrat Biswal, with whom she has two daughters, Safya and Kaya.
Indian-American Nisha Desai Biswal to be assistant secretary of state
Washington : DC : USA | Oct 18, 2013 at 7:45 AM PDT
BY Nina Rai
Nisha Desai Biswal, an accomplished Indian-American woman administrator has been confirmed by the US Senate as the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia on Oct. 16, making her America’s new point person for the region.
Biswal, 45, is the first person of South Asian origin to head the key bureau in the State Department. Currently she is assistant administrator for Asia at theUS Agency for International Development (USAID), since September 2010.
The USAID is headed by Rajiv Shah, another Indian-American in the highest-ranking post in the Obama administration. Biswal will be succeeding incumbent Robert Blake, who has served the post since May 2009.
President Obama nominated Biswal for the top post on July 18, a WH release said. The Senate confirmation means she will be overseeing US foreign policy and relations with India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
In a sense Biswal’s nomination is unparalleled as the South Asia bureau has always been led by “all-American” diplomats, although there have been many mid-level staffers who are born in the US but are of sub-continental origin. Bobby JindalRichard BoucherJohn McCain, who rarely praises anyone from the Democratic Party, told Biswal: "I consider you another compelling argument for comprehensive immigration reform."
However, unable to resist a jab at Biswal, the senator added: "Despite your misguided political affiliation, I would like to say that you're a great example to all of us of people who come to this country. I know you were very young, and the opportunities that this country provides."
During the Senate hearing Biswal had told lawmakers that promoting the India-US strategic partnership will be of vital importance for her, if she is confirmed. Asserting that “India's growing economic power makes it a vital anchor for the vision of regional engagement as well as a cornerstone of America's strategic rebalance to Asia,” she said, "If I am confirmed by the Senate, advancing India-US Strategic Partnership will be of paramount importance."
Biswal has been a member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China since March 2011. From 2005 to 2010, she served as the majority clerk for the State Department and Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. From 2002 to 2005, she served as the policy and advocacy directorInterAction.
From 1999 to 2002, she worked as professional staff of the US House of Representatives International Relations Committee, where she was responsible for South and Central Asia policy, as well as oversight of the State Department and USAID. Biswal has also worked for the American Red Cross, at the Washington, D.C., headquarters and as an overseas delegate in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.
Born to first generation Indian-Americans, Kanu and Lata Desai in 1968, Nisha Biswal draws her inspiration from her parents' saga of emigration from Gujarat, India “to pursue the American Dream and a better life for their children,” which she told lawmakers during the confirmation hearing of her current position on July 21, 2010. Nisha is married to Subrat Biswal, with whom she has two daughters, Safya and Kaya.
