Economist Kenneth Ian Juster nominated as US ambassador to India

President Donald Trump has sent Kenneth Ian Juster’s nomination to the US Senate for the next American ambassador to India.

A confirmation hearing of the Senate on his nomination is likely to be scheduled to be held soon.

Juster, 62, played a key role in the Indo-US ties under the Bush Administration. He would replace Richard Verma as the top American diplomat to India if his name is confirmed.

Read | Donald Trump decides to scrap DACA, could impact 7000 Indian-Americans

The position has been vacant since January 20 after Verma put in his papers as Trump took over as the US president.

Juster served as the undersecretary of commerce for industry and security from 2001 to 2005 and was also the deputy assistant to Trump for the International Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of National Economic Council from January-June this year.

Last Friday, the president had announced his intent to nominate Juster as his top envoy to India. The nomination was sent by him to the Senate on Monday.

Read | US President Donald Trump to nominate economic expert Ken Juster as US ambassador to India