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There is little dispute over the fact that Assam which is sarcastically called by many as the ‘Far-East’ of our country, having been geographically ‘out of sight out of mind’ syndrome of New Delhi for not being strong constituency as UP or Bihar, is essentially an agrarian state. But ironically, it has over the years become unpredictable as weather in summer due to global warming. In effect, the annual revenues the fund-strapped state earns from tea, agriculture, etc, are too meagre to undertake any profit-yielding infrastructural development projects in a town or city alone without financial assistance from the Centre and other financial establishments.

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Mighty Teesta River, flowing through the Northeast India and holding key to the region’s prosperity through generation of power and other multipurpose projects, now has become the focal point of forthcoming Indo-Bangladesh talks.

The reason is long standing dispute between India and Bangladesh over sharing of its water. Dhaka wants lion’s share of water while Delhi is justifiably claiming more since the river originates in Sikkim. Dispute, as a result, continues.

Bangladesh also depends much on Teesta River as it also flows through this country like many other rivers which, though originated in India, terminates there. The stretch of Teesta River is about 121KM on which 21 million Bangladeshis depend. But India’s dependence on Teesta River is much more as it is the lifeline of Sikkim and North Bengal.

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The Covid-19 pandemic has engulfed every segment of Indian society in the last seven to eight months. The insidious threat was apparent after the dreaded diseas has afflicted more than a crore of its citizens, including 1.5 lakh fatalities. Despite the government assuring the people about the availability of more than one vaccine, the announcement has not removed the fear-psychosis that has gripped the grief-stricken people. It is being learnt that a decision has been taken to vaccinate about 300 million people during the course of time. The government is also planning to accord priority to healthcare and other frontline workers, with the emphasis on people who have crossed 50 years of age, which indicates that roughly 20 per cent of the population will be vaccinated by July or August, next year.

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It is an honor and a responsibility to represent the United States as ambassador anywhere in the world. But it is a special privilege to be the U.S. Ambassador to India. The past three years and two months have been the most remarkable and fulfilling period of my professional life.

When Swami Vivekananda arrived at the World’s Parliament of Religions at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, he exclaimed: “Sisters and Brothers of America – It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us.” I have felt the same way living and working in India.

As with many Americans, Indian civilization – its unique culture and amazing people – has long touched me. My parents traveled throughout India in 1966. I vividly remember being enchanted by my father’s many photographs of people and places in this country. I have been fortunate to be part of the U.S.-India relationship for the last 20 years – as a diplomat, a technology executive, an investor, and a member of several non-profit boards. But serving as Ambassador and being directly involved in expanding the relationship at every level has been a tremendously rewarding experience. I have tried my best to be worthy of this great opportunity to contribute to our partnership.