Richard Rossow, an eminent American expert on South Asian issues, has been named as the Wadhwani Chair in US-India Policy Studies at a prominent US think tank.
Rossow joined Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) as the Wadhwani Chair in US-India Policy Studies replacing Karl F "Rick" Inderfurth.
He has served the last two years as head of South Asia practice at McLarty Associates and previously as director of operations at the US-India Business Council (USIBC).
"The US-India relationship is vital to both countries," said John Hamre, CSIS president and CEO.
"But right now the relationship is at a crossroads. We need to refocus on economics if we want this to become a truly strategic partnership for the twenty-first century," he said.
Called quite often at the Congress for consultations and testimonies, Rossow has been a leader in private-sector efforts to increase market access, resolve investor disputes, and discover new business opportunities in India since 1998.
During his 10 years at USIBC, the world's leading advocacy group on behalf of strengthening economic ties between the United States and India, he managed the council's policy groups on energy, information technology, insurance, media and entertainment, and telecommunications. He spends an average of two months per year in India.
The Wadhwani Chair in US-India Policy Studies at CSIS is made possible by support of the Wadhwani Foundation, which is founded and led by CSIS trustee Dr Romesh Wadhwani.
"The collaboration between India and the United States on policy initiatives has progressed well, albeit with some headwinds along the way," said Wadhwani.
"There is a significant and growing opportunity to develop focused programs for the benefit of both nations," he added.
"Richard Rossow brings real-world experience, creative ideas, and a positive, pragmatic approach to reaching top policymakers in both countries. We are delighted he will be building on the strong foundation that Rick Inderfurth leaves behind," Wadhwani said.
