US President Barack Obama on Friday named Nancy Powell, a career diplomat with wide experience in South Asia, to be the ambassador to India and fill a half-year vacancy. Powell has served as US ambassador to Pakistan and to Nepal and holds the rank of career ambassador, a prestigious title given only to select career diplomats based on their service.
In a statement announcing Powell's appointment and a separate appointee, Obama said: "These fine public servants both bring a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their new roles."