Washington D.C., New Delhi, January 4, 2022 — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today announced that Ambassador Atul Keshap has been appointed President of the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) effective January 5, 2022.
Ambassador Keshap most recently served in New Delhi as United States Chargé d’Affaires to India, leading the U.S. Embassy team. He has held a number of senior U.S. government positions and is a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Department of State. Nisha Biswal, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, and Ambassador Keshap’s predecessor as President of USIBC, will remain deeply involved with the organization as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Vice President of International Strategy and Global Initiatives and South Asia.
“The U.S.-India Business Council is a critical and vital voice in driving ever closer commercial cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies,” said Myron Brilliant, Executive Vice President and Head of the International Division of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We’re ecstatic to have Ambassador Keshap as USIBC’s next President. His deep expertise, and deep global network will empower the organization to even greater heights and serve our members well.”
“As the next President of USIBC, I’m honored and excited to continue my involvement in shaping and strengthening the robust relationship between the United States and India. I’m thrilled to join the U.S. Chamber’s international powerhouse team and be part of the world’s largest and most influential advocacy organization,” said Ambassador Keshap. “India and its inspired citizenry hold a special place in my heart, and I believe there is no better place to continue this journey than serving as President of USIBC, which is committed and dedicated to enhancing commercial ties between the two countries,” he added. “With the two countries on the cusp of entering an even more robust era in our strategic partnership, I feel privileged and honored to lead USIBC.”
“I’m thrilled to welcome my former State Department colleague to the U.S. Chamber family,” said Nisha Biswal. “Ambassador Keshap brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of India and the Indo-Pacific to his new role. Across multiple U.S. administrations, he has been instrumental in expanding U.S.-India strategic and economic cooperation and growing commercial ties across multiple sectors. I look forward to working with Atul and the entire USIBC team to deliver to our members and leaders in both countries unmatched experience, advocacy, and networks to further deepen the U.S.-India partnership.”
Ambassador Keshap previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives; as well as Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs; United States Envoy for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia in Washington, DC, as well as in a number of distinguished roles at the National Defense University, the White House National Security Council, and in diplomatic postings in Washington and abroad, including in India from 2005-2008.
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations. They all share one thing: They count on the U.S. Chamber to be their voice in Washington, across the country, and around the world. For more than 100 years, we have advocated for pro-business policies that help businesses create jobs and grow our economy.
About the U.S.-India Business Council
The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) represents top global companies operating across the United States, India, and the Indo-Pacific. Amid dynamic growth within the U.S.-India commercial partnership, we serve as the premier voice of industry and create connections between businesses and governments across both countries. Through our flagship Washington, D.C. and New Delhi offices and presences across both countries, we work with members to identify and advance key policy priorities. Recognizing that U.S.-India trade is increasingly driven by new business hubs, USIBC is also focused on strengthening connections between cities and states.
For more information please contact:
Kasper Zeuthen | kzeuthen@uschamber.com
Priyanka Sethi | psethi@usibc.com
