Expansion of defence, trade ties with India on Powell's agenda

Expansion of defence and trade ties, cooperation in new areas and combating common global threats with enhanced mutual partnership will be the key priorities for United States Ambassador-designate to India Nancy Powell.

In a video message, the 64-year-old career diplomat, who will arrive in New Delhi later this week, said she shared President Barack Obama's vision of India and America forming one of the "definitive partnerships" of 21st century, resolving to work for further strengthening ties.

"The Americans and Indians who work at the embassies and consulates are engaged in promoting economic growth in both countries and expanding our defence relationship, addressing common global threats and encouraging cooperation that can benefit our countrymen and women," she said.

The message has been uploaded by US Embassy in New Delhi on their Facebook page.

"I am impressed how much deeper and broader Indian-American relations have become and how much a greater role India now plays in addressing world's challenges. At the same time the rock solid foundation of our relationship, our shared democratic values and respect for individual freedom have not changed," she said.

Powell, who describes herself as an avid photographer, had served in American Consulate in Kolkata and the US Embassy in New Delhi as a diplomat from 1992 to 1995.

The US Senate in March had confirmed her as ambassador to India. Obama's first ambassador to India, former congressman Timothy Roemer, had announced his resignation in April 2011.

Powell had previously served as US envoy in Pakistan and Nepal and holds the prestigious rank of career ambassador.