New US envoy’s familiarity with India may prove vital

NEW DELHI: Kenneth Juster is expected to move into Roosevelt House, a residential abode designed by famous American architect Edward Durell Stone, at the US Embassy complex in New Delhi soon.

The 62-year-old diplomat was sworn in as the US envoy to India on Tuesday, assuming a position that had been lying vacant under the Trump administration since January 20. The best part of Juster’s appointment, especially in the light of the seemingly unpredictable nature of the US President’s foreign policy, was the fact that he happens to be a known entity in India.

The new envoy’s previous experience in the government may help him hit the ground running when he arrives in India.

He is expected to handle the high-profile Global Entrepreneurship Summit, attended by Ivanka – the daughter and adviser of President Trump – slated for the end of this month.

“When it comes to bureaucracy, there isn’t a lot of difference between India and the US. So, having worked in the system will help him immensely,” said an Indian official.

Juster has more than a fair idea about bilateral ties and challenging policy issues the two sides have hammered out in recent times. HTC